India crush NZ to win Test series

Last updated on: November 23, 2010 12:34 IST

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India [ Images ] crushed New Zealand [ Images ] by a huge margin of an innings and 198 runs to win the three-match series 1-0, on day four of the third and final Test at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur on Tuesday.

New Zealand were bowled out for 175 in their second innings with Ishant Sharma [Images ] claiming two wickets in a row to finish off things in style.

The Indian spinners made most of the conditions with Harbhajan Singh [ Images ] taking three for 56 in 19 overs, Pragyan Ojha [ Images ] claiming two for 67 and Suresh Raina [ Images ] taking two quick wickets (2 for 1).

India had declared their first innings on a mammoth 566 for eight after New Zealand were bundled out for 193 on the opening day. New Zealand were left with an improbable task of batting for two days to save the match after India took a huge first innings lead of 373 runs.

Rahul Dravid [ Images ] played a patient knock of 191 to set up India's huge score, while  captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni [ Images ] (98) fell agonizingly short of his hundred put Indian in complete control of the series decider.

Dravid's marathon knock stretched 573 minutes as he hit 21 boundaries in 396 balls, before he holed out at long-on off part-time spinner Kane Williamson [Images ]. Dhoni and Dravid played a huge role in stretching India's lead as the duo added 193 runs in 54.3 overs for the sixth wicket. Dhoni, who was struggling with cramps, was caught and bowled by Daniel Vettori [ Images ] for 98, laced with 12 fours and a six in his 156-ball knock.

The first two Tests in Ahmedabad [ Images ] and Hyderabad ended in high scoring draws.

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