20 March,2009 07:24 PM IST | | AFP
Sachin Tendulkar's majestic 160 tightened India's grip on the first Test against New Zealand as they took a 241-run first innings lead on the third day this morning.
New Zealand fought back in the second session claiming the last five wickets, including hero Tendulkar, but would need a drastic improvement in their second turn at bat if they are to at least salvage a draw.
Tea was taken with the dismissal of Munaf Patel, the last Indian wicket to fall, with the visitors making 520 in reply to New Zealand's 279.
Tendulkar gave one chance at 13 but from then on was rarely troubled as he stroked his way to a record 42nd Test century, driving off the front and back foot, and cutting anything short to the boundary.
He had raced into the 90s from his overnight 70, cracking a rapid 20 in the opening four overs of the day including four boundaries from the first 11 balls he faced.
Then followed seven long overs in the 90s, including a maiden facing Chris Martin on 99.
But just when it appeared the bowlers were starting to regain control, Martin was replaced by James Franklin and Tendulkar put the hammer down again.
He was eventually undone after 400 minutes at the crease when he flashed at an Iain O'Brien delivery that flew off the pitch and was well caught at first slip by Ross Taylor.
The 160, which included 26 boundaries, was the 14th highest score in the 35-year-old's illustrious 157-Test career.
India put on 144 runs after lunch with Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni completing a 115-run stand for the sixth wicket before O'Brien removed the Indian captain for 47, caught behind by Brendon McCullum.
New Zealand had appealed for Dhoni's wicket two balls earlier when Jesse Ryder claimed a catch low to the ground at gully but television replays showed the ball fell just short of his hand.
It was the start of a golden patch for O'Brien as he took Tendulkar two overs later to have figures of three for 103.
Zaheer Khan kept the score moving at the tail, surviving on luck as he flailed away for an unbeaten 51.
He was dropped on 22 by Chris Martin at mid-on in an over when he belted Kyle Mills for three consecutive fours.
Khan then brought up the 500 running two when dropped at deep cover by Daniel Flynn in an over when he took 13 off James Franklin.
India started the day at 278-5, one run behind New Zealand's total, and raced to 314 before Martin claimed the only wicket in the morning.
He went around the wicket and brought a ball back on Yuvraj Singh, who did not commit to a shot and was bowled for 22.
Martin finished with figures of three for 98 while O'Brien took three for 103.
