RP Singh swings it India's way

India A are chasing 205 for victory on the final day of the four-day Top End Series match against New Zealand A at Darwin. Rudra Pratap Singh, the left-arm fast bowler with international experience, produced a fine bowling display to dismiss New Zealand for just 153 in their second innings after Tejinder Pal Singh and Rohit Sharma boosted India to 280.

RP Singh bowled very well in the first-innings but had only the one wicket to show for it; today, he gained sufficient swing and turned in an even better showing that put New Zealand in a tizzy. Michael Papps was trapped lbw for 4 early, Gareth Hopkins was cleaned up beautifully, and Chris Martin was forced to nick one to Robin Uthappa. Rob Nicol, who top-scored with 55 to prop his side to a semi-decent total, was caught-and-bowled. The last three wickets fell for just two runs.

The day began with India on 6 for 209, following which Tejinder and Sharma extended their stand to 115 before Jeetan Patel, the offspinner, bowled Sharma through the gate for 57. The last three batsmen failed to assist Tejinder, who had to use the long handle to push the scoring along. He was eventually dismissed caught behind off Mark Orchard's right-arm medium pace. Piyush Chawla, the young legspinner, made it seven wickets for the match as he snapped up the most crucial duo of Matthew Sinclair and Craig McMillan.

India were 0 for 1 at stumps.