Bad light almost delays New Zealand's defeat

Wellington (New Zealand), Apr. 6 (ANI): On the fourth day of the final Test against India, New Zealand could put together only 167 runs at the loss of four wickets before play was suspended due to bad light.

India was just six wickets away from a historic series triumph over New Zealand after marginalizing Kiwis in the third Test on Monday, after Zaheer Khan (2/50) and Harbhajan Singh (2/36) inflicted early damages.

At a final score of 167, the hosts were chasing down a near impossible target of 617 when bad light brought an early end of the fourth day's play.

Indians first declared their second innings at 434 for 7 in the morning session by adding 85 quick runs to their overnight tally, and then had the Kiwis on the mat to put themselves on the threshold of a 2-0 series triumph.

Kiwis have one more day left to bat and save the game on a Basin Reserve pitch, which has not shown any signs of drastic deterioration.

Ross Taylor on 69 and James Franklin on 26 were at the crease, and 21 remaining overs will be bowled on Tuesday.

Taylor and Franklin led New Zealand's fight back in the post-tea session on the day when Rahul Dravid created a world record for most catches by a fielder.

Dravid, with 183 catches, has broken Mark Waugh's record (181 catches).

Down at 84 for four at one stage, Kiwis recovered through an 83-run unbroken fifth wicket partnership between Taylor and Franklin before bad light stopped the game.

It was Zaheer who had raised hopes of an Indian win with a day to spare when he ejected Tim McIntosh (4) and Daniel Flynn (10) early in the New Zealand second innings.

Taylor, who remained not out on 69, has hit his fifth half century in 17 Tests with nine boundaries.

Earlier, resuming at their overnight 349 for five, India, declared at 434 for seven, soon after Dhoni completed his 15th half-century in 37 Tests. (ANI)