Tendulkar takes India closer to history

New Zealand were 254 for seven in their second innings, chasing 617 for victory against India at lunch on the fifth day of the third Test earlier today.

New Zealand were 254 for seven in their second innings, chasing 617 for victory against India at lunch on the fifth day of the third Test earlier today.

Ross Taylor top-scored for New Zealand with 107. For India, Harbhajan Singh claimed three for 55 and Sachin

Ross Taylor hits one to the fence during his knock of 109 on the final day of the final Test in Wellington yesterday. PIC/AFP

Tendulkar took two for 26.

With the much-predicted rains staying away, the Indian spinners struck to leave New Zealand struggling after Taylor and Franklin had looked solid during most of the morning session to frustrate the visitors.

Taylor completed a defiant century but yorked himself soon after, and Tendulkar nabbed two wickets to leave India three away from wrapping up a 2-0 series victory.

Tendulkar dismissed Brendon McCullum and James Franklin but was lucky to get his first dismissal. A well flighted delivery outside off spun away from McCullum who missed the ball and the bat hit the ground.

The ball brushed MS Dhoni's gloves and went straight to Rahul Dravid at slip. The sound of bat hitting ground was enough to convince Daryl Harper that McCullum had edged it and he upheld the appeal. There was no doubt about Franklin's dismissal though. On 49, he played across to a delivery that spun sharply and wa caught plumb in front.