India 180-2 at lunch on day 4, 1st test vs. NZ
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli made patient, unbeaten half centuries, guiding India to 180-2 at lunch Sunday as it chased 407 to beat New Zealand in the first cricket test at Eden Park.
India lost only one wicket for the addition of 93 runs in the first session and needs 227 more runs to win with eight second innings wickets remaining.
Cheteshwar Pujara was the only man out before lunch, caught by wicketkeeper BJ Watling off the bowling of Tim Southee after adding one run to his overnight score of 22. Dhawan (81 not out) added only 32 runs in the session while playing a vital anchor role by ensuring India kept wickets intact.
Virat Kohli reached his half century just before the break and was 55 not out at lunch.
The 84-run partnership between Dhawan and Kohli, continued to subtly tip the balance of the match in favor of India who are striving to become the fifth team in history to win a test by scoring more than 400 in the fourth innings.
New Zealand had an almost impregnable position when it scored 503 in its first innings and dismissed India for 202, to take a 301-run lead. Captain Brendon McCullum, who had made 224 in New Zealand's first innings, then made the unusual decision not to enforce the follow on when his bowlers were fresh, the conditions were supportive and the Indian batsmen were in low spirits.
New Zealand was skittled for 105 in 41.5 overs in its second innings to hold an overall lead of 406 which, while substantial, isn't unachievable on a pitch which has lost any real hazard for batsmen.
India reached stumps on the third day at 87-1, having lost only Murali Vijay, for 13, in Saturday's final session. The early loss of Pujara Sunday was a setback but Dhawan and Kohli made sure it wasn't a major one by staying together until lunch.
Dhawan, who was happy to leave anything wide of off stump, reached his half century from 75 balls with five fours and had batted almost four hours at lunch. Kohli notched his half century from 80 balls with 10 fours and appeared increasingly comfortable as the morning session drew to a close.
Southee was New Zealand's only successful bowler early Sunday and had 2-29 at lunch.
