Hyderabad Test: India in command

An unbeaten knock of 85 by Harbhajan Singh and a swashbuckling 74 from VVS Laxman took India to a commanding position against New Zealand on day three of the second Test here on Sunday.

India were 436 runs for nine wickets at the close.

Harbhajan’s scintillating knock (his 85 came off 82 balls) was embellished by seven hits to the fences and five sixers as the hosts lead by 86 runs and can now see the chance of a victory.

Bhajji added 69 runs for the unfinished last wicket partnership with Sreesanth who was on 14 when the wickets were drawn for the day.

Laxman also shone during the day as he hit 11 boundaries and added the feather of his 48th half century in his 160-ball stay before he was scalped by pacer Tim Southee.

Laxman added 75 runs with Rahul Dravid (45) for the fourth wicket.

Captain Dhoni was caught at short cover off Vettori when he was on 14.

BRIEF SCORES:
New Zealand 350
India 436/9 (134.0 overs)

New Zealand 350 (T. McIntosh 102, M. Guptill 85, J. Ryder 70; Z. Khan 4-69, H. Singh 4-76)
India 436-9 (V. Sehwag 96, G. Gambhir 54, VVS Laxman 74, H. Singh 85 not out; D. Vettori 4-123).

India lead by 86 runs in the first innings with 1 wicket at hand