India wins 2nd Test at Bangalore - beats New Zealand by 5 wickets

This morning I predicted an uncomplicated win – India have won – cannot call it totally uncomplicated and it had its tense moments though ! – a real Test match

This morning Jeethan Patel edged one or rather adjudged to have nicked one off Zaheer Khan and Kiwis were all out for 248 leaving Indians to score 261 – not so easy and not too tough !!!!

Indians were off to a flying start – with Gambhir first and then Sehwag hitting the ball all over the park. The 50 partnership came off just 48 balls. After 10 overs it was 65 – then Virender Sehwag took on Jeetan Patel – smashed for a 6 over long off ; another 4 after a ball and then missed one completely to be bowled – India 77-1 in 12 overs.    At 83 Gambhir was bowled by Boult.

Lunch and thereafter it was Cheteshwar Pujara playing fluently alongwith Sachin Tendulkar.  In between rain halted play briefly - Two fours took Sachin to 27 and when we were thinking of a good innings from him, Sachin failed bowled by Southee for 27 – now there should be people with daggers speaking of the need of his retirement. Sad indeed !

Conditions overcast and Bangalore resembling Wellington or Auckland…  Pujara closer to his 50 was out to Patel.   Younger brigade of Kohli and Raina at the crease – newer pair, runs dried up and Raina finally was out to a horrible shot bowled by Patel for a duck off 10 balls.

Now it is pressure for Team India as the last recognized pair of Kohli and Dhoni at the crease. Finally, it was the same pair who saw the Team home with good intelligent cricket and a grand finish by Dhoni with a four and Six – Kohli 50 and Dhoni closer have taken the Team home – ending the Series on a high – the scoreline would suggest a comfortable win, though India did puff and huff through the way.

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.