India beat NZ in third test, bag series 3-0

INDORE: India beat New Zealand by 321 runs in final test of the three matches series here bagging the test series 3-0.

The visitors lost their nine wickets in the final session of the fourth day as man of the match Ashwin grabbed seven wickets in the second innings.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s century helped India set New Zealand a daunting target of 475 in the third and final Test in Indore on Tuesday, after declaring their second innings on 216/3 on day four.

India, 18 for no loss overnight, rode on Pujara’s unbeaten 101 to stretch their lead until the first hour of the afternoon session as they look to complete a whitewash after enjoying a 2-0 lead.

Pujara, who recorded his eight Test hundred, put on 76 runs for the second wicket with opener Gautam Gambhir as the duo dominated the New Zealand bowling.

Gambhir, who retired hurt on Monday after aggravating his shoulder injury while diving desperately to avoid a run out, returned to bat after Murali Vijay’s departure for 19.

Gambhir, who was recalled to the Indian team after a two-year gap, scored 50 off 56 balls before giving away a catch to Martin Guptill at cover off Jeetan Patel.

Patel also got skipper Virat Kohli trapped lbw for 17, but India’s brisk scoring ensured the visitors have a mountain to climb at India’s newest Test venue – Indore’s Holkar Stadium.