India in a good position to win the match, says Cheteshwar Pujara

New Zealand put up a brilliant fight-back to keep India at bay on the third day of the second and final Test at the Basin Reserve here yesterday

Wellington: New Zealand put up a brilliant fight-back to keep India at bay on the third day of the second and final Test at the Basin Reserve here yesterday. The visitors however, didn't help their cause by putting down a few catches.


Cheteshwar Pujara. Pic/Getty Images 

But batsman Cheteshwar Pujara defended his team and believes India are still in a position from where they should win the game. "If you look at both the Test matches, we have taken so many good catches.

Not only on this trip, but in South Africa also, the Indian fielding has been fantastic. We have effected many run-outs and held many good catches. So you are bound to drop a few catches here and there," said Pujara.

The hosts batted magnificently to take the game into the fourth day yesterday, but Pujara hoped India will eventually triumph. "It has been a fantastic game so far with many turns.

But we are still in a very good position. If we can get a couple of quick wickets early on, a lot of time is available. We are happy with the way things have shaped up.

"We would have been happier with a couple of more wickets but we are in a good position and in with a good chance to win this Test match."

Pujara acknowledged the fact that the hosts had batted exceptionally to keep themselves alive in the game. "We have to give credit to their batsmen. The way they batted was really good.

Brendon batted well and that partnership was very crucial for them. We tried our best, but they were the winners in that last session. Like I said earlier, if we can get a couple early wickets then we can go through the tailenders," he said.

About the pitch, he said: "The pitch is getting better day by day. Our bowlers did a good job and bowled in the right areas. They didn't allow them to score many runs, which is a good sign for us. Overall, looking at the wicket, they bowled really well."

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