India chase formidable target

AUCKLAND, Feb 8 (AFP): New Zealand seized control of the first Test against India and then proceeded to let go in a frenetic third day Saturday which saw 17 wickets fall.

India, who started the day at 130-4 in their first innings, were 87-1 at stumps in their second innings as they chased a formidable 407 to win on a flat Eden Park track.

They require a further 320 runs for victory with nine wickets in hand and two days remaining. Only two teams have scored more in the fourth innings to win a Test-the West Indies' 418-7 against Australia in 2003 and South Africa's 414-4 against Australia in 2008.

Murali Vijay (13) was the wicket to fall in India's second innings when he feathered a Tim Southee delivery heading down the leg side and wicketkeeper BJ Watling was quickly across to take the catch.

Shikhar Dhawan, who was dropped on seven, will resume Sunday on 49 with Cheteshwar Pujara on 22.

"The momentum is with us and we will look to capitalise on that. It was important that we have a good start (to the second innings) which we got," veteran bowler Zaheer Khan said.

New Zealand bowler Neil Wagner described it as a "bittersweet day" as they won then lost the initiative and said the outcome would hinge on the first session Sunday.

India 202 (Rohit 72, Wagner 4-64, Southee 3-38, Boult 3-38) and 87 for 1 (Dhawan 49*) trail New Zealand503 and 105 (Taylor 41, Ishant 3-28, Shami 3-37) by 319 runs.