India vs New Zealand, ICC World Test Championship Final, 2021 Full score card

FOUR! Flicked away! It is Rosco to start the party for New Zealand. A full length ball, around middle, Ross Taylor flicks it away through mid-wicket for a boundary. NEW ZEALAND ARE THE FIRST WORLD TEST CHAMPIONS. THEY WIN BY 8 WICKETS!

Outside off, left alone.

A length ball, on off, Williamson works it towards third man for a quick single. 3 to win.

Play and a miss! A length ball, outside off, Williamson look to guide it towards third man, but misses.

A full length ball, on off, Williamson defends it out.

Outside off, left alone.

On off, nudged to mid-wicket,

A length ball, on off, kept out.

Two More! A length ball, on off, Taylor guides it towards third man for a couple. 4 more to win.

A full length ball, on off, Taylor defends it back to the bowler. Ishant Sharma gets hit on his finger. As he makes his way off the field.

Play and a miss! A length ball, outside off, Taylor loosk to defend it but misses.

FOUR! SMACKED! This also brings up the FIFTY for the skipper. He has done his job here. A length ball, on off, this time he pulls it away through mid-wicket for a boundary. 7 more to win.

In the air....Dropped! A full length ball, on off, Williamson looks to heave it away but gets the top edge. The ball flies over the third man region. Bumrah is running towards the ball, but is unable to get a hold of it. The batters take a couple.

A full length ball, on off, Williamson defends it back to the bowler.

A length ball, down the leg side. Kane Williamson flicks but misses.

A full ball, on middle, Kane Williamson pulls it through square leg for a couple. 12 more to win.

A length ball, outside off, Williamson hits it uppishly towards point.

Outside off, Williamson slashes but misses.

Three more! Shorter and outside off, Williamson guides it through point for three.

FOUR! Angled into te pads, this is whipped thorugh mid-wicket for another boundary. Runs needed below 20 now.

On middle, blocked.

On middle, this is worked to id-wicket.

Three more! Short and outside off, Taylor looks to cut but this goes off the bottom edge down to third man for three.

FOUR! Whipped through! Williamson skips down the track and gets to the pitch of it. He whips it through mid-wicket and the ball races away to the fence.

On off, kept out.

Once again Williamson is solid in defense as this is bowled on the stumps.

Another one on middle, kept out.

On middle, kept out.

Down the leg side, Wiliamson looks to flick but misses.

A length ball, on off, Taylor drives it back to the bowler. Again, Ishant Sharma ends up on the ground but this time he was stopping the ball.

A length ball, on off, Taylor defends it to cover.

Ohh...what a beauty! A length ball, around off, swinging away. Taylor looks to defend but misses as the ball beats the outside edge.

Full and on off, Taylor flicks it through square leg for a couple. 28 more to win.

A length ball, on off, Tayloe defends it to mid off. While, Sharma falls over on the ground in the process.

Play and a miss! On a length, outside off, Taylor looks to smash it on the off side, but misses.

Solid from Williamson. Loopy ball, on middle, Williamson prods and defends it onto the pitch.

Floated around middle, Taylor nudges it to mid-wicket for a single. 30 more to win.

Loopy ball, on off, Taylor defends it with a straight bat.

Floated on the pads, Taylor nudges it to the leg side.

On off, Taylor defends it solidly.

Tossed up, on off, Taylor pushes it to cover.

FOUR! Glorious drive. A length ball, on off, Williamson drives it through cover for a boundary.

A length ball, on off, kept out solidly.

A length ball, around off, nips in. It bounces again off the deck. Williamson blocks it out solidly with soft hands.

A length ball, around middle, Williamson plays it to mid on.

On off, kept out.

BEATEN! Bumrah has been great throughout the day. But he just did not have luck on his way. On a length, outside off, holding the line this time. Williamson looks to defend but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge.

DRINKS! Not a lot left in the game. It will be a miracle if India avoid a loss from here. Just another 35 runs needed for the Kiwis and there are another 15 overs to go. It will be interesting to see how they go about these 35 runs. Will they look to score it quicker when they get close or will they just go about things as they have so far? We will find out.

On off, Taylor defends it to the off side via an outside edge.

Loopy ball, on off, Williamson plays it towards square leg for a single.

NO BALL! Floated on off, Taylor defends it to the on side off the inner half. Also, Jadeja has overstepped.

Floated on off, Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket.

Flatter, on off, Williamson goes back and cuts it towards point for a single.

Tossed up on off, Williamson defends it out.

On off, kept out.

Angles in a full ball, on off, Taylor pushes it to cover. 39 more to win.

Play and a miss! On a length, outside off, Taylor looks to defend it but misses.

FOUR! Fine enough for four more. A short ball, on the pads, Taylor uses Bumrah's pace and clips it fine for a boundary. This also brings up the 100 for New Zealand.

Full and on off, Taylor drives it to cover.

A length ball, on off, Taylor keeps it out.

Another one that has jumped at Taylor. A  length ball, on off, the ball gets an extra bounce off the pitch. This time he manages to defend it with his blade.

Fuller and on off, it is driven to covers.

On the stumps again, it is defended nicely.

FOUR! Nice and fine! On the pads, Williamson plays the paddle sweep, he plays it fine and it races away to the fence.

On middle, kept out.

Bog turn! This lands outside off, on a driving length. Williamson looks to drive but the ball turns away and goes past the outside edge.

On middle, kept out.

Angled into the pads, Bumrah looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.

Outside off, left alone.

Physio is out in the middle. To have a look at Ross Taylor, as he goes through the mandatory concussion test.

OUCH! This must've hurt! Back of a length ball, coming in from outside off, Taylor looks to defend but completely misjudges it. The ball bounces off the track and hits Taylor on his helmet. There was almost an inch of gap between Taylor's defense and the helmet.

On off, kept out.

A full length ball, on off, Taylor defends it solidly.

A length ball, on off, Taylor flicks it to the leg side for a couple.

Full, on the pads, Taylor flicks it to square leg and gets a single.

Floated around middle, Taylor defends it on his front foot.

On off, kept out.

Floated around middle, Taylor defends it solidly.

Around leg, Taylor tucks it to the leg side.

Loopy ball, on off, Taylor prods and keeps it out.

A yorker, on the money by Bumrah. Williamson defends it back to the bowler.

BEATEN! Serves a length ball, outside off, Williamson looks to defend it but misses as the ball beats the outside edge. This was very close.

A length ball, on off, Williamson guides it to point.

On off, kept out.

A length ball, on off, Williamson pushes it to cover.

FOUR! SMOKED! A length ball, on off, Williamson gets to the pitch of the delivery and creams it through covers for a boundary. 50 more to win.

Another one on the stumps, blocked.

On middle, kept out.

On middle again, this is nudged to mid-wicket.

Rishabh Pant comes back on the field. To take his position behind the stumps.

On off, this is pushed to cover.

On middle, kept out.

A huge appeal but turned down! Maybe the impact was outside off. This is bowled outside off. Taylor looks to sweep but misses. It hits the pad. A huge appeal but turned down.

On middle, kept out.

A single now! On middle, this is worked on the leg side for one.

EDGED BUT DROPPED! Pujara the culprit. Bumrah would have loved a wicket. Maybe it would not have made a difference to the result but surely t his confidence. A good delivery, length and around off, this one holds its line. Taylor looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge towards first slip. Pujara probably was a little late to move to his left and hence, spills it. He might have felt the keeper was going for it.

Fuller and on off, Taylor drives it to covers.

Outside off, left alone.

On middle, defended.

Jasprit Bumrah comes into the attack now. His figures 5-2-18-0 so far.

A good delivery to end but the damage was done earlier in the over. This lands on off and then turns away. Williamson prods forward to defend but is beaten.

FOUR! Finds the fence this time but it is off the bat of Williamson. Short and outside off again. This is cut through point for a boundary.

Quicker and on off, defended.

On off, this is pushed to covers.

Three more! Shorter and outside off, it is cut through point. The fielder at cover-point hares after it, dives and saves a run for his side.

Full on middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

Loopy ball on off, defended.

On off, Williamson pushes it through covers for one.

Takes one! On off, it is worked towards mid-wicket.

Flatter and on off, this is worked to mid-wicket.

One more flighted delivery on off, kept out.

On off, kept out.

Rishabh Pant is feeling a little under the weather here. He walks out as Wriddhiman Saha replaces him behind the stumps.

Spin from both ends now. Ravichandran Ashwin is brought back into the action. His figures 9-5-14-2 so far. He replaces Ishant Sharma.

On middle, blocked.

A single again! On middle, it is nudged around the corner for one.

Beaten! This is flatter and outside off, Taylor looks to drive but the ball spins away. He is beaten. He does well to not lift the back foot.

Another one on off, kept out.

On middle, kept out.

Another single as this is clipped on the leg side. Jadeja has overstepped.

On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

Outside off, left alone.

Another single! This is outside off, it is guided down to third man for one.

Fuller and on middle, this is driven but to mid on.

Good length and on off, kept out.

FOUR! Hammered away! This is short and begging to be hit. Taylor smashes it through covers for another boundary. Only 70 needed now.

Shorter and outside off, Taylor slashes at it but ends up chopping it on the off side.

On middle, this is pushed to mid on.

Flatter and on off, kept out.

On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

Floats it up on off, kept out.

On middle, this is pushed to mid on.

Floats it up on off, kept out.

On middle, kept out.

FOUR! Put away! India leaking boundaries now and all the pressure that was built has been released. Shorter and on off, this is slapped through covers for a boundary.

On the stumps, blocked.

On off, this is guided to point.

On off, blocked.

Outside off, left alone.

Loopy ball on middle, kept out.

On middle, blocked.

FOUR! A little too full and it is put away. Runs starting to come now. It is outside off, Taylor drives it through covers.

That has spun big! This lands outside off and then spins back in. Sharply. Taylor look ka to defend but leaves a gap between bat and pad. It sneaks through and goes over the stumps.

FOUR! Hammered! This is tossed up on off, Taylor whips it powerfully over mid-wicket for a boundary.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

A length ball, on off, Williamson defends it watchfully.

A length ball, on off, Taylor flicks it to square leg for a single.

FOUR! This one find the gap. Well played by Taylor. A lenght ball, outside off, Taylor guides it through point for a boundary.

On off, kept out.

On a length, outside off, Taylor, punches it straight to point, on a bounce. Ravindra Jadeja collects the ball and throws it up in the air, as he gets everybody in the crown on their feet. But he is just having fun.

A length ball, on the pads, Williamson flicks it to square leg and gets a single. Oh the umpire signals a leg bye, this one is off the pads.

DRINKS! This is turning out to be a really good game. The Indians are mounting the pressure with some really tight overs and are not making it easy for the Kiwis. The New Zealand batters are also happy to play defensively. Will we see a change in approach or will the Nee Zealanders continue to wait for the bad balls and go about things slowly?

On off, Taylor works it to mid on.

Flighted on off, Taylor pushes it to mid on.

Tossed up, on off, kept out.

Floated on off, Taylor ficks it to mid on.

Tossed up, on off, the ball curles away a bit, Taylor defends it watchfully.

Loopy ball, around middle, Taylor tucks it to short mid-wicket.

On middle, blocked.

One more ball outside off, Williamson leaves it alone.

Outside off, left alone.

A yes and no situation there! On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket. Williamson initially calls for a run but then sends his partner back.

Outside off, left alone again.

Back of a length and on off, Williamson pushes it to covers.

Another maiden! On middle, Taylor plays it back to the bowler.

On off, Taylor pushes it back to the bowler.

Floats it up yet again on off, defended.

Flatter and on off, Taylor defends it.

Another one floated up on off, kept out.

Tossed up on off, blocked.

Angles in a full ball, on off, Williamson defends it to cover.

Quicker, on a length, outside off, Williamson shoulders his arms.

Good length ball, outside off, Williamson leaves it for the keeper.

A length ball, around the hips, Williamson hops and tucks it to square leg for a couple.

Length ball, down the leg side , Williamson looks to flick it but misses.

A length ball, on off, coming back in, Williamson looks to flick it but misses and gets hit on the pads. The crowd is appealing here. But this one is just too high, the umpire nods his head and denies.

A wicket maiden for Ravichandran Ashwin. Floated on off, Taylor is solid in his defense.

Loopy ball, on off, Taylor defends it onto the pitch.

Tossed up, on off, Taylor flicks it to the leg side.

Floated on off, taylor defends it solidly.

Ross Taylor is the new man in.

OUT! LBW! Ravichandran Ashwin strikes for the second time post the Tea break. This is turing out to be a cracker of an event. This is the huge wicket of Conway, Ashwin bowls a floated delivery around off, which turns in. Conway looks to defend it but misses and gets rapped on the pads. A loud appeal from Ashwin and company. The umpire raises his finger in a flash. Conway is disappointed as he walks to the other end to have a word with the skipper. They decide not to take it upstairs which is a wise decision. India aren't going down without a fight. They are still in it.

Loopy ball, on off, Conway works it to mid on.

Another one on a length and around off, Kane strokes it to mid off.

Back of a length and on off, Williamson pushes it to covers.

Good length and on off, Williamson blocks it out.

Well bowled! Looks to get it back in from outside off. Does not bring it in enough to make the batter play.

Angled on middle, Williamson works it through square leg for a couple.

Another appeal but turned down. On middle, this pitches and then straightens. Williamson looks to play it with the angle but misses. He gets hit near the box.

Flatter and on off, Williamson punches it through covers for three.

An appeal for an LBW and it is given! Williamson reviews. Huge moment in the game.

NOT OUT! The Ball Tracker saves Kane Williamson, as the replays show the ball was missing the stumps. A loopy ball, around middle and leg, Williamson prods and looks to sweep it but misses. The ball goes through to come in contact with the pads and rolls towards the fine leg region. A loud appeal for LBW and the umpire raises his finger in a flash. Kane Williamson is surprised with the decision and takes the review straightaway. The Ultra Edge shows no bat involved. The Ball Tracker shows the wickets are missing. The crowd went silent as soon as this was played on the big screen, whereas it was a big, big relief for the New Zealand supporters.

Flighted on off, kept out.

Loopy ball, around middle, Williamson goes back and defends it out.

Floated on off, Williamson prods and defends it watchfully.

Loopy ball, around middle, Williamson defends it to the leg side.

A length ball, on off, Conway drives it to cover.

Good length ball, on off, Conway looks to defend it and does so but only with his gloves. This must've hurt him.

FOUR! PULLED AWAY! Back of a length ball, on off, Conway pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

A length ball, on off, Williamson pushes it to cover for a single.

A length ball, on off, Conway pushes it to point and gets a single. Ravindra Jadeja picks the ball and hits the stumps at the strikers end. But Williamson was well inside the crease.

A length ball, down the leg side, Conway looks to flick but misses. Rishabh Pant dives to his left to make a great stop. Wait, he also says he heard some noise, but it was not enough to convince his team-mates.

Floated and on off, WIlliamson is solid in his defense.

Flatter and on off, Williamson stays back and pushes it to cover.

Loopy ball, on off, Williamson nudges it to the leg side.

Kane Williamson walks out to bat!

OUT! STUMPED! It is Ravichandran Ashwin who draws the first blood. Prior to this ball, Pant was advising Ashwin to toss it up and well that certainly worked. Toosed up, around off, Latham comes down the track and swings his blade wildly. But completely misses it. The ball goes through him, Pant collects the ball and disturbs the stumps. The fans are cheering to their core. Maybe just maybe there is some hope building now.

Tossed up, on off, Latham defends it solidly off the front foot.

Loopy ball, on off, Latham goes back and works it to mid on.

Outside off, left alone.

FOUR! Top-notch by Devon Conway. Nicely played. A length ball, on off, Conway punches it through cover for a boundary. More 106 needed to win.

BEATEN! On a length, outside off, this one is quicker. Conway looks to play at it but misses.

Angles across, a length ball, on off, swinging away, Conway makes a smart leave.

FOUR LEG BYE! Good length ball, on the pads, Conway looks to flick but misses. While the ball clips the pads and rolls past diving Rishabh Pant for a boundary at fine leg.

A length ball, outside off, Latham pushes it through cover for three.

On off, kept out by Conway.

Floated on off, Conway uses his feet and defends it to cover.

Loopy ball, on off, Conway pushes it to cover.

Floated and on off, Conway is solid in his defense.

On off, kept out.

Loopy ball, on off, Conway defends it solidly.

A length ball, on off, Latham defends it back to the bowler.

Play and a miss! On a length, outside off, Latham misses his defense as the ball beats the outside edge.

Another peach of a delivery! Good length ball, outside off, swinging away, Latham was looking to defend it out but misses as the ball zips past the outside edge.

BEATEN! A length ball, outside off, swinging away, Latham looks to defend but  misses.

Outside off, left alone.

LEG BYE! Full ball on the pads, Conway looks to flick but misses and the ball rolls to the fine leg region off the pads. Single taken. Leg bye.

Almost! A loopy ball around middle, Latham dances down the track and looks to flick it but the ball takes the leading  edge and flies over the bowler's head. Ashwin leaps but was not enough to get hold of the ball.

Flatter and short, on off, Latham goes back and pushes it to cover.

Loopy ball, around middle, Conway tucks it to the leg side for a single.

Tossed up, on off, Conway defends it to the on side off the outer half.

Loopy ball, full and on middle, Conway defends it solidly.

Flatter around off, Latham stays back and punches it through cover and gets a single.

It is time for some spin now, as Ravichandran Ashwin comes into the attack.

A maiden for Bumrah. Good length ball, outside off, Conway shoulders his arms.

On off, kept out.

A length ball, on middle, Conway looks to pull it but it hits the pad and lobs on the off side.

Full and outside off, nips away, Conway lets it go to the keeper.

Good length ball, outside off, moving away, an easy leave for Devon Conway.

Starts with a length ball, on off, Conway defends it to cover off the front foot.

The final session of the day is underway! The Indian players are in a huddle near the ropes, as the skipper has his last say. While, Tom Latham and Devon Conway stride in the middle with their blades. It is Bumrah who removes his cap, so he will be starting with the ball.

...Day 6, Session 3...

India on the other hand, need a magic spell from someone. They need wickets and quickly. Containing won’t help as one believes if New Zealand play till the end, they will win it. Do they have a hero in them? Something tells me there is still a twist left in this game. Stay tuned.

Coming to the session now I really don’t think I need to mention who this belongs to. After bundling the lower and the middle order quickly, their batters have started off nicely. Their aim would have been to not lose a wicket as they have done so. They just need to continue to bat sensibly and they’ll be over the line.

So, the Kiwis have gotten through the nervy period unscathed and have also managed to reduce the deficit from 19. They now need another 120 runs in 45 overs.

A beauty to end! This is angled in from around the wicket. It lands around off and then moves away. Latham is beaten as he tries to block. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 6!

Back of a length and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Almsot! Length and outside off, Latham pushes at it but is beaten.

Back of a length and on middle, blocked.

Full again and outside off. Left alone.

Beaten! Length and outside off, this one holds its line. Latham is beaten as he tries to block.

Beaten! Length and on off, this one angles away. Conway looks to defend but is beaten. Better from Bumrah. He needs to hit these lines a lot more often.

FOUR! Nice and fine! He needed to be straighter but this is way too straight, it is worked fine on the leg side and it races away to the fence.

Another one outside off, left alone. This has been the problem for Bumrah. He has been way too wide outside off and not made the batter play often.

Outside off, left alone.

A short one on the body, this is pulled down to fine leg for one.

Jasprit Bumrah who comes on now, hasn’t been at his best in this Test. Can he do something soeidal here!

On off, Latham pushes it to covers.

FOUR! Nice shot by Conway! A full length delivery, on off, Conway plays the on drive as the ball races towards the boundary at long on.

That is some carry! A good length ball, outside off, the ball takes off after hitting the deck. Conway shoulders his arms.

BEATEN! Nicely bowled by Shami! This is fullish and outside off, Conway looks to defend but misses. The ball beats the outside edge.

A length ball, on off, Conway is solid in his defense.

A touch short, on off, Conway pull it straight to mid on.

Outside off, left alone.

A length ball, on off Latham defends it to cover.

Full length delivery, on the pads, Latham flicks it to the on side for a couple again. Good running.

On a length, around off, Latham pushes it through point for a couple.

Angled in a length ball, around middle, Latham defends and gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Outside off, left alone.

A length ball, on the pads, Conway looks to flick it but misses as the ball clips the pads and rolls towards square leg. Single taken. Leg bye.

FOUR LEG BYES! A full ball, on the pads, Latham looks to flick but misses, as the balls clips the pads and rolls toward the fine leg fence for a boundary. Leg bye given.

Good length ball, outside off, Latham leaves it alone.

Angles in a length ball, on off, Latham defends it out.

A touch short, outside off, Latham is baited with the height as he looks to pull this away but misses as the ball bounces over the blade.

A length ball, on off, Latham stays back and defends it back to the bowler.

A length ball, on off, Latham is solid in his defense.

Angles in a length ball, on off, Conway defends it watchfully.

Good length ball, outside off, moving away. An easy leave for Devon Conway.

On off, kept out.

Full and on off, Conway defends it to cover.

On a length, outside off, holding the line, Conway lets it go to the keeper.

Good length ball, outside off, swinging away, Conway leaves it alone.

A touch fuller, on off, Latham defends it to cover. Just a single off the over. A tudy over by Mohammed Shami.

Another one shaping in, a good length ball, outside off, Latham shoulders arms to it.

Angles in a length ball, outside off, Latham shoulders his arms, but the ball comes back in a long way as the ball passes over the stumps.

Good length ball, outside off, the ball takes off after landing. Latham leaves it alone.

First run on the board for New Zealand! A length ball, on the pads, Conway flicks it to square leg and gets a single.

Back of a length ball, on off, Conway looks to hook it away but cannot find the gap.

Shami to bowl from the other end then!

On off, Latham is solid in his defense.

Angles in a length ball, on off, Latham defends it back to the bowler.

Serves a full length ball, on off, Latham drives it to cover.

Back of a length delivery, outside off, Latham lets it go to the keeper.

A length ball, on off, coming in, Latham defends it to cover.

Starts with a length ball, on off, Latham look to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

OUT! CAUGHT AT SLIPS! There goes last man, Southee strikes on his last ball. Bumrah does not disturb the score at all, as he departs on a duck. A length ball, on middle, Bumrah looks to defend but gets an outside edge as the ball flies to Tom Latham at second slip who does not miss such sitters. NEW ZEALAND NEED 139 MORE RUNS TO WIN.

A fullish delivery, on off, Bumrah defends it to cover.

Good length ball, outside off, Bumrah lets it go to the keeper.

A length ball, on off, Bumrah defends it solidly.

The last batsman to walk in is Jasprit Bumrah.

OUT! TAKEN! Outstanding from New Zealand. Everything they have done today has gone to plan. They had got in a fly slip on this ball and that is where the catch is taken. One shot too many by Shami. This is full and on middle, Shami swings but it goes off the outside edge and it is a simple catch for  Latham.

EDGY FOUR! Handy, handy runs all of these. This is full and outside off, Shami swings, it goes off the outside edge over the slip cordon for a boundary.

Fuller and on middle, Sharma drives it towards mid off.

Shorter and on the body, this is nudged on the leg side.

Audacious from Ishant. He goes after one really wide and outside off. Misses by a long way.

Back of a length and on off, this is guided through point for one.

Goes for the yorker, it is on middle, jammed out.

On middle, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Solid now! On middle, this is defended nicely.

FOUR! Pulled hard and another boundary. Lead over 130 now. Short and on middle, Shami pulls it hard, it is in the gap in the square leg region and it races a away to the fence.

Fuller and on off, blocked.

FOUR! Cut away! Any kind of runs now are important. This is short and wide outside off, Shami slashes it through point for a boundary.

Good length and on off, blocked.

Slips this one down the leg side, Shami looks to flick but misses.

Outside off, left alone.

Catch is the cry but it lands in no mans land! Shorter and on middle, Sharma looks to defend but it hits the splice and lobs on the off side.

The next batsman coming in at No. 10 is Ishant Sharma.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Ashwin is now a goner! It is now falling apart all too quickly for the Indians. Another poor shot. Boult has two and what a change by Williamson. He brings him on and he strikes gold. This is full and outside off, inviting Ashwin for the drive. He goes for it but away from the body. It goes off the outside edge and it is taken by Ross Taylor at first slip.

Fuller and on off, Ashwin looks to drive but it goes off the inner half on the leg side.

DRINKS! The wicket of Pant has now turned the tide into the Kiwis’ favor completely. They are into the bowlers and the lead is not a lot. Will they make quick work of the tail or will we see the lower-order fight back?

The next batsman coming in at No. 9 is Mohammed Shami.

OUT! TAKEN! Pant is out of here! The last recognized batter has to walk back and this is exactly what India wouldn't have wanted. A lot of people would also question the shot but that is how Pant plays. You live by the sword and you also die by it. That though is some catch by Nicholls, absolutely stunning. Pant comes down the track and Boult bowls it on middle. He gets some extra bounce. Pant swings but this goes off the top edge over point. Nicholls runs back and takes it outstandingly. Never easy when you have run back like this and it is over your shoulder. New Zealand into the bowlers now. The lead is just 124. Still over 55 overs left in the day.

Change from both ends now. Trent Boult is called back into the attack. His figures 13-1-37-2 so far.

Outside off,eft alone.

Really nice shot but just for one. Fuller and outside off, this is driven through covers for one. Pant retains strike.

Another leave as this is yet again bowled outside off.

Southee once again starts this from outside off, he looks to bring it back in. Does not swing. Left alone.

Another one outside off, not played at.

Outside off, left alone.

Good length and on middle, blocked.

Tim Southee comes back into the attack. His figures 16-4-35-2 so far. He replaces Neil Wagner.

Serves a length ball, on off, Ashwin keeps it out.

A touch short, on off, Pant pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fullish, around middle, Pant blocks it back to the bowler.

A full length ball, on off, Pant defends it to cover off his front foot.

Good length ball, outside off, moving away, an easy leave for Pant.

Serves a length ball, on off, Pant defends it watchfully.

A single to end the over! A length ball, on off, Pant pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Good length ball, down the leg side. Pant looks to pull this away but misses.

A length ball, around the hips, Ashwin pulls it through square leg for another single. Moves to 7.

A length ball, on the body, Pant works it towards fine leg for a single. Moves to 38.

A length ball, on off, Ashwin steered it down past gully. The batters come back for three comfortably.

A length ball, around middle, Pant pulls it to square leg for a single.

A maiden for Kyle Jamieson! A good length ball, outside off, holding the line. An easy leave for Ashwin.

Good length ball, outside off, Ashwin pushes it to cover.

A full length delivery, outside off, Aswhin looks to heave it away but misses as the ball bounces over the blade.

A length ball, on off, Ashwin tucks it to mid-wicket.

A touch fuller, on off, Ashwin defends it to cover.

BEATEN! A good length ball, outside off, Ashwin looks to poke it out but misses as the ball beats the outside edge.

Full, around middle, Pant drives it back to the bowler.

A length ball, on off, Ashwin goes back and pulls it over mid-wicket, Williamson leaps but the ball flies over him to the deep. The batters take a single. Had Jamieson still been positioned at mid-wicket, Ashwin had to walk back to the shed.

Good length ball, on off, Ashwin pulls it through the square leg region this time for a couple.

Another short ball, on off, Ashwin pulls it to mid-wicket uppishly this time, as it land just in front of Jamieson at mid-wicket.

A touch short, on off, Ashwin tries to take it, as he pulls it to mid-wicket but cannot find the gap.

A short ball, on the body line, Pant pulls it to square leg for a single.

A bouncer on off, Ashwin leaves it for the keeper.

BEATEN! A full length delivery, around off, it nips away, Ashwin looks to push it but misses as the ball moves away from his blade.

A length ball, on off, Ashwin defends it to the off side,

A short ball, on off, Pant pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

A fullish delivery, on middle and leg, Pant blocks it to mid on.

On off, blocked.

A full length ball, on off, Ashwin defends it out.

Ravichandran Ashwin walks out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Neil Wagner's patience finally pays off. He gets his first wicket of the day. This is an important breakthrough as both the batters were looking very well settled. Wagner goes short for a long long time. And this one time he changes his length, and a solid innings of Ravindra Jadeja comes to an end. Serves a good length ball, across the batsman, swinging away, outside off, Jadeja looks to defend but gets an outside edge and BJ Watling, with his dislocated finger takes an easy catch behind the stumps.

A bouncer now on middle, Jadeja ducks under it.

Ahh.. that was close. Serves a touch short delivery, around the hips, Jadeja hops and defends it to the leg side, as the ball goes over the man at short leg. If he could've stayed up Jadeja was a goner.

Back of a length ball, on leg, the ball takes off after hitting the deck, Jadeja ducks under it.

On a length, on off, Jadeja defends it back to the bowler.

On a length, outside off, Jadeja pushes it through the cover region, as the batters take three.

A length ball, around off, moving away, Jadeja leaves it alone. But the ball dies on it's way to the keeper.

Good length ball, coming across the left hander. Jadeja leaves it for the keeper.

Good length ball, on off, Pant taps it towards mid off and takes off. Conway runs towards the ball and kicks it on the stumps, as Pant dives to reach in safely. That was some kick by Conway.

Back of a length ball, on off, Pant looks to pull this one away but only manages to get an inside edge onto the pitch.

Dishes a full length ball, outside off, Pant tries to chase it but misses.

One more short ball, ducked under.

Another short one, it is evaded.

Outside off, left alone.

One more short one but down the leg side. Evaded. The short balls aren't causing a lot of trouble.

Shortish again, this one does not bounce a lot. Jadeja looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Audacious from Pant! He is early in position to play the reverse sweep. Wagner still bangs it short. He plays it down towards third man for one.

Outside off, left alone.

That is a beauty! Had it been a touch fuller. Jadeja was a goner. This starts on off, the length is slightly shorter. This one shapes in late. Jadeja fails to get his bat down in time, luckily for him, it goes over the stump.

Nicely played in the end! Good length and just outside off. Jadeja drops his hands and lets it be.

One more delivery outside off, Jadeja lets it through.

Outside off again, need not play at those.

A nice short one outside off, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

LEG BYE! A short ball, on off, nips in, Jadeja looks to defend but misses, as the ball hits on his arm and rolls towards the short third man region. The batters sneak a single. leg bye given.

Good length ball, on the pads, Jadeja tucks it to the leg side.

A touch short, around off, Jadeja hops and defends it watchfully.

On a length, on off, Jadeja is solid in his defense.

BYE! A length ball, on off, Pant goes for the scoop shot but misses. As the ball goes over BJ Watling. The batters sneak a run. Bye given.

Back of a length ball, on the body line, Jadeja looks to pull it away, but does not middle it as the ball rolls to square leg for a single.

On off, kept out.

Two more! Length and on off, this is pushed through covers for two.

Another one on the stumps, blocked again.

On off, kept out.

Length and this one takes off after landing. Pant looks to defend but then pulls his bat out of the way.

On off, it is defended.

One more short one to end. Evaded.

On the shorter side and on middle, Jadeja defends it.

One more short one down the leg side. This is left alone.

The lead is now a 100! On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Another short one. This one has more bounce but it is yet again down the leg side. Pant looks to pull again but misses.

Short and down the leg side. Pant looks to pull but misses.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Neil Wagner to work his bumpers now. His figures 9-1-30-0 so far.

Just outside off, Jadeja plays it well by dropping his hands. Just a single from the over then.

Length again and angling away. Left alone.

First run of the session! On off, Pant drops it towards cover and gets to the other end.

Hits the length hard and lands it on off, extra bounce for Kyle. Pant takes a hand off the handle and plays it onto the ground.

Well, that leave was a sighted. Straightaway comes down the track on the second ball. Jamieson lands it on a length around off. Pant swings but misses.

Starts off on a length and outside off, Pant leaves it alone. Good delivery to begin. Kind of similar to the line Pant edged but the left-hander left it this time.

We are back underway! The New Zealand players form a huddle near the ropes, as they break and spread out in the field. Followed by Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja who stride out in the middle. And, it will Kyle Jamieson to start with the ball.

...Day 6, Session 2...

The second session proves to be another enthralling one where the Kiwis will be going for wickets whereas India will have to show resilience and character. Do join us for it.

Coming to the session now, it was all about New Zealand. Jamieson got rid of the Indian skipper and Pujara quickly. Pant could have been a goner early had he not been given a life. He though then tried to counter-attack with Rahane. The two were successful for a while but then Boult struck. Pant though is still fighting it out there and India will hope he along with Jadeja can bat time.

What a session of Test cricket! Brilliant stuff! I did mention that we could have a clear picture of which way this game is heading after the first session but we were wrong. The game is right in the balance now, a few early wickets in the next session could mean a result is on the cards. A good session for India would mean a draw.

OUCH! A short ball, around middle, coming back in, Jadeja takes this one on the body. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 6. INDIA LEADS BY 98.

Angles in a length ball, on middle, Jadeja tucks it to the man at short leg.

Back of a length ball, on the bodyline, Jadeja ducks under it.

A length ball, around middle and leg, Jadeja blocks it back to the bowler.

A touch short, down the leg side. Jadeja leaves it alone.

A fullish delivery, on the pads, Pant flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Good length ball, outside off, nipping away, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

A touch fuller, outside off, Jadeja prods and blocks it onto the pitch.

A length ball, around off, Jadeja stays back and defends it out.

A length ball, on off, Pant flicks it to mid-wicket for another single.

A touch fuller, on off, Jadeja pushes it to cover for a single.

On a length, around off, Jadeja defends it solidly.

On off, kept out.

This time a direct hit, is Ravindra Jadeja in trouble here? A length ball on off Jadeja pushes it to cover for a single. the fielder has a shy at the stumps and hits it strightaway. The umpire decides to take it upstairs. The replays show the batsman is inside the crease.

Direct hit and Jadeja was maybe home but you never know with direct hits.

The physio is out! Watling seems to have hurt himself when he was collecting the throw.

A length ball, on off, Jadeja works it to mid off, and takes off looking for a run. He is half way down the track, before Pant shouts NOO and sends him back. Meanwhile, the fielder lifts the ball and throws it to the striker's end. Jadeja is racing back to the crease and reaches comfortably in the end. But the throw is a little wide, as Watling does not collect it well, and might have hurt himself in the process.

FOUR! Beautifully player. Jadeja is also having a go here. Two boundaries in two overs for him. A length ball, around middle and leg, Jadeja clips it through mid-wicket. Two fielders give it a chase, but the ball wins the race and finds the boundary.

Full, on the pads, Pant removes his front leg and flicks it through square leg for a single.

A length ball, on the pads, Pant flicks and gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Back of a length ball, on off, nipping away, Jadeja sways away from the line of the delivery.

A length ball, on off, Jadeja works it to mid on.

FOUR! Nicely played. A length ball, on the pads, Jadeja clips it through mid-wicket as the ball races towards the boundary.

A length ball, on off, Jadeja is solid in his defense.

A length ball, on off, Jadeja keeps it out.

A touch fuller, on off, Pant guides it to point and gets a single.

A length ball, on off, Jadeja pushes it through cover for a couple.

Good length ball, on off, Jadeja looks to pull it but does not middle it.

A touch short, on off, Pant pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

A full ball, on off, Pant clips it through mid-wicket for a couple.

NOT OUT! The Ball Tracker shows that the ball was missing stumps. A full length ball, around middle and leg, Pant looks to flick it but misses and gets rapped on the pads. Wagner and company make a loud appeal for LBW, the umpire is not interested and signals a leg bye as two is taken. We can see Ross Taylor from behind the stumps signaling to take the review, the Kiwis go for it. The Ultra Edge shows no bat involved. The Ball Tracker shows the ball was missing the stumps.

A huge appeal for an LBW is turned down. New Zealand review. Seems to be going down leg.

On middle, kept out.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! What a comeback by Trent Boult, as he finds the breakthrough as this partnership was looking dangerous. Rahane gave away his wicket, not a good way to depart, he will be gutted. On a length and down the leg side. Rahane tries to flick it but did not get a clean connection. The ball tickles off the gloves and BJ Watling moves to his left to take the catch. This is not looking good for India. Half the side back in the hut for them.

FOUR! SMOKED! A length ball, outside off. Rahane keeps his eyes on the ball, stays on the back foot and cuts it through point for a boundary.

Full and on off, Rahane prods and drives it to cover. Where Latham dives to his right to make a spectacular one handed stop.

On a length, down the leg side. Rahane pulls it to fine leg for a couple.

A length ball, on off, Rahane is solid in his defense.

Good lenght ball, outside off, nipping away. Rahane comes forward looking to drive it through covers but misses as the ball bounces over the blade.

Fuller this time and on middle, Pant works it to mid-wicket. This is a good contest between Pant and Wagner. End of a good over too from the pacers.

That is a good delivery. It is on a length and it lands on off, shapes away. Pant is half forward as he looks to block but is beaten.

This was rash! Pant comes down the track again. Wagner drags his length back a little. Pant does not get to the pitch of the ball but still swings. Gets beaten. Good from Rahane as he goes down to have a chat with Pant.

EDGY FOUR! 100 up in a streaky manner! Pant comes down the track and Wagner bowls it fuller and outside off. This one shapes away a touch. Pant goes after it. It goes off the outside edge through the slip cordon and down to the third man fence.

Full and wide outside off, Pant opens the face of the bat but can't get it past gully.

Fuller and on middle, Pant plays to back to the bowler.

Really good stuff from Boult! Got the last one to angle away, this time he gets it back in after landing it on off, almsot the same position he bowled the last ball on. Rahane plays it late but it goes off the inner half on the leg side.

That is a beauty! It lands on off and then moves away. Rahane is beaten as he tries to play the original line.

On off, Rahane plays it to point.

Two more! On middle, this is worked through square leg. Wagner in the deep runs to his left, slides and keeps it down to two. Good fielding.

Beaten again! This though was there to be hit. It is well wide outside off, Rahane goes after it but this one stays a touch low.

Fuller and on middle, Rahane works it towards the man at mid on.

Slightly shorter in length. Pant hangs back and defends it onto the ground.

On middle, Pant shows the full face of the bat and keeps it out.

On off, Pant plays it to mid on.

Solid! On middle, it is played back to the bowler.

Almost! This is angled into middle, Pant looks to work it on the leg side but he gets an inside edge onto the pads. It lobs up but lands well short of the bowler.

Solid! On off, defended.

Another run! For Pant this time! Angled into the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Slips this one down the leg side. Pant looks to flick but misses.

Sligjtly shorter in length and around off, Pant guides it to point.

Nicely played! Gets on top of the bounce of this short one and pulls it all along the ground through square leg for one.

Not the right shot there! Especially against Boult who is getting it to tail back in a little. This is just outside off, just a little bit outside off. Extra bounce too. Rahane slashes at it. Too close to plays that shot. Luckily for India Rahane is beaten.

On off, Rahane guides it to point.

Almost! Once again Pant is jabbing at the delivery which is just outside off, he plays it away from the body. He gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Wagner is fired up! On middle, this is defend back to the bowler. Who looks to pick it up but fails to do so. Does give him the stare.

Clever! A boundary is followed by a good leave as this is bowled just outside off.

FOUR! Pant goes after Wagner and gets the result he wanted. Skips down the track and this is bowled fuller and outside off. Pant actually makes this into a full ball, he smashes it past mid off for a boundary. Not a bad tactic from Pant but being attacking is different and being rash is different and he needs to be the former.

Good length and on middle, this one comes back in a little. Rahane looks to block but it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.

Good stop! Fuller and outside off, Pant hits it hard towards cover. The fielder dives to his left and makes a half stop. One taken.

On the fuller side, Rahane leans into it and strokes it to covers.

Goes wide of the crease now and angles this one back in. A inswinger to follow after a few outswingers. Rahane plays it onto the ground.

Another one on a length but the line is outside off, left alone.

This time he attacks the stumps, kept out.

A little too wide again, left alone again.

Fuller and outside off, left alone.

DRINKS! The first hour, was all about New Zealand courtesy of the big man Kyle Jamieson. He knocked out Kohli and Pujara. He could have had Pant too had the left-hander not been dropped. Pressure right now is on India. Pant needs to make most of the life he got and Rahane needs to play with a lot of responsibility. Can the Indians show character or will it be New Zealand who will dominate after the break?

Sensible! Outside off, left alone nicely.

FOUR! Shot! Superb use of the wrists there. This guy has strong forearms. Also, a less risky shot as he plays it with the movment. This one comes back in from outside off, Pant whips it through mid on and it races away.

Another inswinger, this is fuller and outside off, left alone again.

Well played in the end! Southee brings it back in from outside off. Pant, probably due to the movement, looks to play it first but then realizes he does not need to and leaves it alone.

Length again and outside off, Pant pushes at it, it goes off the outer half and the fielder at gully stops it.

Outside off, left alone.

Really nicely bowled! An outswinger to end, fuller again. Rahane this time lets it go to the keeper.

On middle, defended nicely.

Follows the full one with a short one on middle, Rahane spots it early and evades it.

Now goes fuller, temting Rahane to drive. Ajinkya does so but plays it to covers.

Another one on the stumps, Rahane keeps it out.

On the off pole, kept out.

Inside edge. He really seems to be jabbing at the balls with hard hands. Not good in such conditions. Again, he looks to defend this length ball outside off, ahead of his body. It jags back in. He gets an inside edge onto his pads.

TWO MORE! Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for a couple. Runs scoring is important but what Pant did on the last ball was rash. He needs to be a little smart about now he goes about things.

Not sure what Pant was doing there! He's probably a little nervous. He steps down the track and Southee bowls it fuller and outside off. Pant looks to drive but is beaten.

Goes short now, Rahane does not back off, he pulls but is a touch early in the shot. It goes off the bottom half towards mid-wicket for one.

Nicely played in the end! The outswinger, it is just outside off. Rahane watches it closely and leaves it alone.

Back of a length and on off, Rahane defends it onto the ground.

DROPPED! Lucky, lucky Pant. A rarity in the slip cordon for New Zealand as Tim Southee drops a sitter. On a length, outside off, angling away, Pant looks to defend but misses and gets the outside edge as the ball flies to Tim Southee at second slip who does not hold the ball cleanly and Pant gets and extra life here. Kyle Jamieson deserved his third wicket of the day. He has been brilliant.

LEG BYE! A full ball, on the pads, coming back in, Rahane looks to flick it but misses and gets gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls to the leg side. The batters sneak a single. Leg bye given.

Back of a length ball, down the leg side. Rahane leaves it alone. BJ Watling does good to dive to his left and stop the ball.

A fullish length delivery, outside off, Rahane guides it to third man for another couple.

An inswinger, on off, Rahane defends it out solidly.

A lenght ball, on off, Rahane punches it through cover on his back foot. A couple.

Full and on off, Pant digs it out.

A full length delivery, outside off, Pant lets it go to the keeper.

A length ball, on off, coming back in, Pant defends it to point.

Outside off, left alone by Pant.

On off, kept out.

FOUR! Through the gap. On a length, outside off, Pant cuts it away through point uppishly but find the gap as the ball races towards the boundary. It seems he has to play his natural game and go for the kill.

Solid! On off, kept out.

A length ball, on off, Pant taps it to cover and gets a quick single. He is off the mark. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end and Pant has to dive in. The replays show he was well inside the crease.

Good length and on off, blocked.

Who will be the next one to come out to bat? It is Rishabh Pant who walks in at No. 6.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Outstanding from Jamieson. He got Kohli in his previous over and now Pujara. Game on, game well and truly on now. India are effectively 40 for 4. Once again, like Kohli, Pujara isn't sure whether to play at it or not. It is that kind of a line. Just outside off, the length too is perfect. Pujara hangs his bat out tentatively, it goes off the outside edge and it is taken nicely by Taylor at first slip. It is Kohli's wicket which opened the floodgates in the first innings, are we seeing something similar here?

Makes the batter play yet again by bowling it on the stumps, Pujara thoufh blocks it nicely.

Relentless stuff again! Length and on off, Pujara blocks it nicely.

An outswinger, full and on off, Rahane pushes it to cover.

Outside off, swinging away, left alone by Rahane.

A length ball, on the pads, Pujara clips it through square leg for a single.

A length ball, on off, Pujara works it to the leg side.

A full ball, on off, Cheteshwar Pujara is solid in his defense.

Good length ball, outside off, left alone.

A lenght ball, on off, Rahane defends it out.

Ajinkya Rahane comes out to bat!

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Big, big wicket, as Kyle Jamieson gets the skipper for the second time in this Test. The big man gets the big fish. What an amazing start for the Kiwis, this will help boost their confidence. Good length ball, outside off, this one holds its line. Kohli was tempted by the width as he decided to push it through cover, but was unable to do so. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to the right of BJ Watling who takes a sitter. Can New Zealand use the momentum and capitalise on this wicket? This is the time they shift gears and go all out. Kohli could have left that one. Not sure why he played at that.

Good length delivery, outside off, Kohli leaves it alone.

A touch fuller, on off, Kohli blocks it out watchfully.

A length ball, on off, kept out solidly.

Good length ball, on off, nips in. Kohli comes forward and looks to defend it but misses and gets hit on the back pad. A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. Height was the issue.

Full, on off, nips in, Pujara defends it to cover off the front foot. A maiden for Tim Southee.

On a length, outside off, nipping away, Pujara leaves it alone.

A length ball, around middle and leg, Pujara defends it to mid on.

A length ball, on off, Pujara pushes it to the off side.

Good lenght ball, outside off, left alone.

A length ball, around off, nipping away. Pujara lets it go to the keeper;

JAFFA! A peach of a delivery by Kyle Jamieson yet again. A length delivery, outside off, nips away. Kohli yet again looks to defend it but misses. Jamieson has a smile on his face.

BEATEN! The first one to go past the edge today. On a length, outside off, Kohli anticipated it to come in, but the ball had other ideas as it swings away. Beats the outside edge as Kohli hangs his bat out looking to defend it.

A length ball, on off, kept out.

Fuller length delivery, around the pads, Pujara flicks it through fine leg for a single. Lead by 39.

Fires a full ball, on off, coming back in, Pujara is solid in his defense.

A length ball, on off, Pujara blocks it to cover.

Outside off, left alone by Kohli.

Good length ball, outside off, Kohli leaves it alone.

Full and on off, Kohli pushes it through gully for a couple. Kohli wanted the third run, but Pujara was loud and clear with a 'NO'

Another one away from the batsman. Outside off, nips away, Kohli lets it go to the keeper

On a length, swinging away, Kohli just watches it go past him.

Good length ball, outside off, moving away, Kohli shoulders his arms.

The big man starts his day with a maiden. Serves a length delivery, outside off. An easy leave for Cheteshwar Pujara.

A touch fuller, on off, Pujara blocks it back to the bowler.

A length ball, on off, Pujara tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Inswinger, full and on off, Pujara blocks it to the off side with an angled bat.

A length ball, on off, Puraja is solid in his defense.

Fuller length, on off, Pujara works it to mid on.

Who will bowl from the other end then? Kyle Jamieson it is.

Full, on leg, a little bit of inward movement. Pujara clips it through mid-wicket for a single. Moves to 13. Lead is 36.

A length ball, around middle, nips in. Pujara tucks it to the leg side.

Back of a length ball, on leg, Pujara ducks under it.

A length ball, around middle and off, Kohli flicks it through mid-wicket for three. Lead by 35.

A lenght ball, on off, Kohli defends it to the off side off the outer half.

Starts with a full ball, on middle, Kohli defends it out solidly.

The wait is over then! Probably the most important session of this Test is about to begin! We could well have a clear picture about the result after a couple of hours. Kane Williamson and his side walk out to the centre and so do Kohli and Pujara who will resume their innings. Tim Southee who has two wickets so far will start off. Here we go...

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is down for the pitch report. Along with Sunil Gavaskar, who says that there is some grass left, but not as much as it was yesterday. Reckons It will be great day for the batters. Also says that a draw is the most likely result only if India don't lose many wickets in the first session. Ends by saying New Zealand does have a chance to sneak a win if they scalp qucikly.

Hello and welcome to the final day which is the 6th Day, the reserve day of the WTC final. Despite all the time we have lost due to rain and bad light in this Test, we still have a slender hope of one of these sides to squeeze out a win. The Kiwis have more of a realistic chance to win this game. Yes, a draw seems the most obvious result but an Indian batting collapse can’t be ruled out especially in such conditions. Saying that though, the Indians have fared quite decently so far. They have shown good resilience in difficult conditions but they will have to continue to fight. The first session or maybe even the first hour could well indicate which way this game is going. All to play for then. Stay tuned...

...Day 6, Session 1...

For the Kiwis, their chances of winning this game are a lot more than their opponent's. They will not only need to pick wickets but also restrict the run-flow. The reserve day which is Day 6 could prove to be an exciting one. Do join us for all the action. Till then, goodbye and take care!

In reply, India started off solidly but now has both their openers back in the hut. They lead by 32 and still have 8 wickets in hand. We believe they will try to bat time on Wednesday first, then analyze their position and think how to go about it.

The day was filled with twists and turns though. It was the Kiwis who started off nicely without losing a wicket in the first hour. India then fought back strongly and restricted New Zealand to 135 for 5. The Kiwi lower-order then along with their skipper counter-attacked and helped them gain a small lead.

A hard-fought day of cricket comes to an end. After its end, one just believes this game is heading towards a draw unless the Kiwi bowlers once again run through the Indian batting lineup in the first session of Day 6.

Low full toss on middle, Kohli drives it towards mid on. India lead by 32 runs. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 5.

Good length delivery on off, Kohli looks to drive but the ball goes off the inside edge towards square leg. He picks up a couple.

Serves a length ball on off, nipping in, Kohli knocks it towards covers.

Length delivery on off, pushed back to the bowler.

Another inswinger on off, worked towards mid on.

Full ball on off, flicked towards mid-wicket for a couple.

WIDE! Short ball on middle, ducked under. Wided.

Length ball on off, blocked out.

Half-volley on middle and leg, Kohli flicks it through mid-wicket. Wagner goes after the ball and pushes back in time. He saves a run for his time. Three taken.

FOUR LEG BYES! NASTY! Bowls a short ball on middle, Kohli looks to defend but is taken aback by the bounce. The ball hits right on the top of the helmet and goes over the slip cordon for a boundary.

Outside off, left alone.

Fuller on off, nipping away, Johli defends it towards covers.

An outswinger, way outside off, Kohli shoulders arms.

A good short one to end! Left alone.

On middle, blocked again.

Good length again on of, blocked nicely.

On middle, this is kept out nicely.

That has gone over the stumps. Pujara did not expect that to come back in. It lands outside off and then jags back in. The is shorter. Pujara may have felt it would go away but to comes in. He leaves it and it goes over the stumps.

Outside off, left alone.

Full ball around off, Kohli blocks it out.

OUT! LBW! What have you done Rohit Sharma? Southee traps him beautifully! Kept bowling outswingers, this one swung back in, Sharma raises his blade as he chooses not to play. The ball came back in sharply, however, and struck the back pad. He knew it straight away that this was out. Southee pleads for an LBW and the umpire does not hesitate to raise his finger. Sharma has a chat with Pujara to take the review but decides not to. A complete misjudgment from Rohit Sharma and he walks back into the hut. Tim Southee gets another.

Fuller and outside off, shaping away, Sharma is happy to leave that.

Back of a length delivery on off, Sharma defends it on the off side.

Fuller length outside off, Sharma drives it towards CdG at short cover.

Length delivery outside off, Sharma decides not to play.

Fuller and outside off, Pujara leaves it untouched.

Good length outside off, left alone.

FOUR! Pitches it down the leg, Pujara takes all the time in the world before flicking it towards fine leg. Jamieson came running across and did all the hard work to stop the boundary, but couldn't do so. A boundary for Pujara. India lead by 19.

Good length delivery on middle, swinging in, Pujara blocks it out.

Fuller but outside off, Pujara leaves it for the keeper to collect.

Length delivery outside off, Pujara taps it towards point.

Fullish delivery on the middle pole, pushed back to the bowler.

Length delivery on off, nipping back in, Sharma gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Fuller outside off, Sharma watches the ball pass by.

Full again on middle, Sharma flicks it through mid-wicket and picks up two comfortably.

Fuller on off, Sharma defends it off the front foot.

Beautifully bowled! Late movement there! Bowls a length delivery on the fifth stump channel, Sharma went for the drive but gets beaten.

Outside off, left alone.

On middle, kept out.

A short one and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.

Almost! Rohit looks to play a ball which is slightly fuller in length off the back foot. He gets an inside edge but it goes beside the stumps.

This time he finds the gap! Pushes this shortish delivery through covers for two.

Lovely stop! Fuller and on off, this is driven towards mid off. Williamson slides to his left and stops it.

On middle, defended.

A single eventually! On middle, this is worked towards mid on. Rohit wants a run but Pujara waits, he sees it beats the dive and then takes it.

Just outside off, Sharma watches it go to the keeper.

One more awayswinger. It is outside off so left alone.

Risky shot! Length and on off, this is pushed to covers. He played that away from the body.

Outsidr off, this is guided to point.

Outside off, Pujara points his bat skywards and lets it be.

Well bowled, angles this away from the off pole. Rohit looks to defend but is beaten.

On the stumps, this is kept out nicely.

On off, Sharma looks to block it but it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.

On the pads, Sharma looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

A short one, this does not bounce a lot. Sharma looks to pull but misses.

Outside off again, Pujara this time lets it go.

Good running! On off, this is dropped towards cover for one.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Sharma leaves another ball as this too is well outside off.

Another one on a length, left alone.

Fuller and on middle, this is played back to the bowler.

A short one, a quick short ball. It is ducked under.

Another one which is not on the stumps, not played at.

Outside off, left alone.

FOUR! Delightful! Lovely. Full and on middle, this is driven nicely past the mid on fielder and this races away to the fence.

On middle, kept out.

Outsidr off, left alone.

A short one to end, it is outside off, left alone.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Outside off, left alone.

On middle, defended.

Length again and on middle, kept out.

On off, this is guided to point.

Comes round the wicket, bowls a length ball outside off, Pujara leaves it alone.

Fuller length outside off, shaping in, Pujara defends it on the off side.

Another short ball on middle, Pujara ducks again.

Short ball on middle, Pujara sits under it.

Around off, Pujara deals with it well.

Change of angle for Boult. He comes over the wicket, bowls back of a length delivery on middle, Pujara blocks it out.

Length ball on off, Sharma works it with soft hands towards backward point. He collects a couple of runs.

Length delivery on off, Sharma gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Good length delivery outside off, dabbed towards gully.

That's the line and length Jamieson will target! Bowls a length delivery on off, Sharma leaves it alone. Jamieson will look to make the batters play with that line outside off.

Bowls it full this time, on middle, Sharma clips it on the leg side.

BEATEN! Peach of delivery on off, shaping away, Sharma prods and looks to defend. The ball zips past the outside edge, into Watling's gloves.

Around off, Pujara defends it watchfully.

Length delivery on middle, Pujara keeps his eyes on the ball and blocks it out.

Fuller length on middle, a little bit of late movement, Pujara works it on the leg side.

Short on off, Rohit Sharma gets into the position and pulls it towards deep square leg. He gets a single.

Fuller on off, angling away, Sharma defends it watchfully.

On a length outside off, Sharma is happy to leave that.

DRINKS! Excellent cricket going out in the middle! The Indians have done well so far, they have erased the deficit and have lost just the one wicket. They need to continue to do the good work. Another 25 overs left so they would not want to lose more than a wicket or two. New Zealand on the other hand, would love at least two by the end of the day. A good passage of play awaits.

Length delivery on off, nipping in, well left by Pujara.

Bowls a straighter one on off, Pujara defends it onto the pitch.

Length delivery on off, Pujara gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Fuller length on middle, Pujara pushes it on the on side.

Good length ball, outside off, seaming away, Pujara shoulders arms.

Full and on off, Pujara is solid in his defense.

Into the gap and will get three! Fuller on middle and leg, Pujara flicks it through mid-wicket and collects three runs. India wipes out the deficit. The scores are level.

Bowls a short one on middle, Pujara ducks under it.

Fuller on off, blocked out.

Fuller on middle, coming back in, Pujara tucks it to the left of the short leg fielder.

Short ball on middle, Sharma hooks it towards deep square leg for a single. Loud shout for a 'CATCH' but well short of the fielder.

Fuller on middle, Sharma blocks it on the leg side.

Trent Boult is back into the attack.

Fuller on middle, a straighter one, Pujara works it on the leg side. India trail by 4 runs.

Short of a length on middle, angling in, Pujara blocks it out.

Short ball on middle, Pujara sits under this one.

Slightly shorter on middle, clipped towards mid-wicket for a run.

Good length delivery on middle, swinging away, Sharma taps it towards gully.

Outside off, nipping away, Sharma shoulders arms.

An inswinger on middle, Pujara defends it watchfully.

On a length outside off, Pujara does not offer any strokeplay. Watling behind the stumps is heard shouting "GOOD LENGTH" lad.

Fuller on off, an outswinger, Pujara blocks it out.

Length delivery outside off, Pujara lets it sail through.

Length delivery outside off, Pujara leaves it untouched.

Good length delivery outside off, seaming away, Pujara doing what he does best. Shoulders arms and lets it sail through. Much better line and length from Jamieson.

More runs! Fuller and around off, this shapes away. Sharma looks to defend but it goes off the outer half through backward point for two.

Pujara is off the mark! On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Cheteshwar Pujara is the next batsman in.

OUT! THAT IS PLUMB! New Zealand get an early wicket. India still behind by 8. He played across the line there. Southee goes full and gets the ball to come back in from off. Shubman Gill looks to flick but misses, he gets hit on the pads. An appeal and the finger is raised. Gill has a word with his partner but he does not review and rightly so. Can they get another before the deficit is wiped off?

On middle, this is kept out nicely.

That was firmly hit but for no runs! On middle, this is flicked but to the man at mid-wicket. That was right off the middle. Lovely shot.

Slightly fuller and outside off, Gill leaves it alone.

Outside off, Sharma leaves it alone again. Not a good first over by Kyle.

Really wide outside off, left alone. Kyle hasn't started all that well so far.

Very full this time and outside off. Sharma looks to drive, hits the ground in the process and it goes to the keeper.

Kyle has started a little too short. Once again it is a back of a length ball outside off. Left alone.

Back of a length again and on off, Sharma stands tall and plays it late on the off side.

Back of a length and on off, blocked.

Angled into the pads, he was probably looking to shape the ball away but this is flicked through square leg for two. Jamieson has also overstepped.

Kyle Jamieson is brought into the attack.

A couple more! On middle, this is worked through square leg and two is taken.

Just a push for two! Fuller and on middle, Gill strokes it off the middle, it bounces and goes over the bowler for two.