Ahmedabad Test: Bhajji slams maiden Test ton in draw against NZ

Motera: With the help of off-spinner Harbhajan Singh’s maiden Test century and V V S Laxman’s crucial innings, India managed to draw the first Test match of the three match series against New Zealand here at Sardar Patel Stadium today.

After slipped to 101/6 in second innings at the end of day 4, Bhajji’s 115 (11×4, 3×6) and Laxman’s 91 (9×4) helped hosts to draw the first Test match against Kiwis.

India got all out at 266 in second innings to give Kiwis a target of 295 to win the match. The visitors scored 22/1 in the second innings before the game ended on the final day.

Harbhajan, who made his highest score of 69 in the first innings, bettered that display to remain unbeaten on 115 off 193 balls in second innings. His seventh-wicket partner Laxman missed his century by nine runs as India, reeling at 15 for five at one stage yesterday, piled on 266 all out on the final day of the match.

With no time left in the match, NZ played 10 overs in the second innings before the match ends in a draw.

Harbhajan was declared Man of the Match for his crucial innings.

Brief score: India – 487 & 266 all out

New Zealand – 459 all out & 22/1 in 10 overs