McCullum, Watling frustrate India (Tea Report)

Wellington, Feb 16 (IANS) New Zealand battled to reach 146 for five in their second innings at tea in the second and final cricket Test against India here Saturday.

The Indian bowlers kept things tight, giving away only 59 runs in 29.5 overs and dismissing Corey Anderson (2) at the start of the afternoon session.

Brendon McCullum (44 not out) and BJ Watling (24 not out) had shared 52 runs for the sixth wicket. New Zealand still need 100 runs to make India bat again.

With the home team behind in the game, staying in the middle was the key. The approach saw the usually aggressive McCullum consume 138 balls for his 44. Watling was steady at the other end.

Earlier, the lunch session ended with the dismissal of Tom Latham (29).

India continued to dominate the game as New Zealand could only add 63 runs in 25.1 overs at the loss of three wickets after resuming at an overnight 24 for one.

The visitors removed Kane Williamson (7) in the second over of the day, Zaheer Khan getting the in-form batsman caught behind.

Hamish Rutherford (35) departed edging another one to Mahendra Singh Dhoni off Zaheer.

Latham failed to convert another start, giving Dhoni his third catch of the day on the bowling of Mohammed Shami.