Summary:
Kanpur, Nov 29 (PTI) Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday became India"s third highest wicket-taker in Test cricket as New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson stood between hosts and victory, taking his team to 125 for 4 at tea on the final day of the series opener.
New Zealand now need 159 runs to win in 31.5 overs but Williamson (24 batting 97 balls) will be looking at a draw which will be creditable enough for the Black Caps, as they go into final session with six wickets in hand.
If the first session completely belonged to New Zealand who didn"t lose a single wicket, the second session certainly belonged to India as Umesh Yadav (1/3in 12 overs) removed night-watchman Will Somerville (36 off 110 balls) with a short ball immediately after post-lunch resumption.
It was Shubman Gill who took a fine catch diving forward at long leg boundary.
Williamson looked way more confident that his first innings effort as he hit a cover drive off Ishant Sharma (0/20 in 7 overs), who was completely off-colour on the day.
Ross Taylor (2) never looked comfortable and at stroke of tea, Ravindra Jadeja (1/21 in 11.1 overs) finally bowled one that had his number.