Wellington, Feb 23 (UNI) India were 144 for four in their second innings at stumps on the third day of the first Test against New Zealand, here on Sunday.
India still trail New Zealand by 39 runs with six wickets in hand.
Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (25*) and Hanuma Vihari (15*) remained unbeaten after a 31-run stand for the fifth wicket to keep India's hopes alive.
Rahane, who top-scored with 46 in the 1st innings, looked fluent once again as he mixed caution with aggression wonderfully well towards the close of play.
Earlier, New Zealand were bowled out for 348 in their first innings in reply to India's 165.
India could not have asked for a better start to Day 3 as Jasprit Bumrah removed in-form New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman B J Watling in the very first ball of the day. In the fourth over of the day, Ishant Sharma dismissed Tim Southee who played an ordinary shot to depart for just six.
At 225 for 7 early in the first session, it looked like India would mount a strong comeback and put pressure on New Zealand.
However, New Zealand tailenders added 123 runs for the last 3 wickets as Colin de Grandhomme played the anchor's role and let debutant Kyle Jameison and Trent Boult go berserk.
De Grandhomme hit a composed 74-ball 43 as he held the New Zealand innings together after the quick dismissals of Watling and Southee on Day 3.
At the other end, debutant Kyle Jameison flaunted his batting prowess, hitting 44 in just 45 balls -- a quickfire knock that had a boundary and 4 sixes.
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