India A close to victory against New Zealand A

Chennai, Oct 1 (IANS) India A were on the brink of victory against New Zealand A at lunch on the fourth and final day of four day cricket at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here Wednesday.

Needing 355 for a win, the Kiwis were tottering at 152 for five at the end of the first session of play. Leg-spinner Amit Mishra and fast bowler Ashok Dinda took two wickets apiece to put India A within sight of victory.

It was a huge struggle for the Kiwis whose batsmen were far from convincing, be it in negotiating pace or spin. However, Indians, besides sending down nine no-balls and two wides, tended to stray allowing some freedom to the batsmen.

The game irrevocably turned the Indian's way in the 10th over this morning when Mishra removed the two overnight not out batsmen Aaron Redmond (37) and skipper Peter Fulton (39) in the same over.

Thereafter, Greg Hey (20) and James Marshall (32 batting) put on 58 runs for the fourth wicket when Dinda struck a double-blow.

Bowling with considerable fire and enthusiasm, Dinda had Hey and new man Neil Broom plumb in front with deliveries that jagged back sharply.

The fast bowler nearly achieved a hat-trick when he rapped Nathan McCullum on the pads, but umpire Suresh Shastri turned down the appeal.