Indian women comfortably placed

India 143 for 3 (Jain 55) trail New Zealand 201 for 9 dec (Tiffen 66*) by 58 runs Scorecard

India established their stranglehold over New Zealand on the second day of the one-off women's Test at Vapi. New Zealand's lower order were rallied by a determined 66 from Haidee Tiffin, made in more than five and a half hours. A ninth-wicket partnership of 33 with Louise Milliken saw New Zealand past the 200 mark.

Neetu David and Nooshin Al Khadeer were the most successful Indian bowlers with three wickets each. Seventy-two overs were left on the second day when India began their chase. Anju Jain hit a fine half-century to give India the advantage.

The Indian reply showed more application after a shaky start, and they finished the day at a comfortable position of 143 for 3. Sunetra Paranjpe, one of the openers, was forced to retire hurt very early on when she injured her shoulder having been forced to dive back into her crease to avoid being run out. Anjum Chopra hung around for 71 balls without too much of a contribution. But a 65-run partnership between Jain, the other opener, and Mithali Raj put India on a firm footing. Both struck four boundaries apiece and hustled the singles with a great deal of urgency.

However, both fell as stumps approached and New Zealand made sure they were still in the contest. Raj was unlucky to get a leading edge to a wide, full ball down leg-side and was caught at mid-wicket. Hemlata Kala and Jhulan Goswami were at the crease when stumps were drawn. New Zealand had a good last session with the ball and would look to carry on in a similar vein tomorrow. As far as India are concerned, application will be the buzzword.

Rebecca Steele, the left-arm spiner, was the pick of the New Zealanders, bowling Chopra, the former Indian captain, with a ball turning back into the left-hander from wide outside off stump. She also had Jain's wicket, caught and bowled.