Hurricane Harbhajan props up India

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh frustrated New Zealand with the bat once again, smashing 85 runs off 82 balls on the third day of the second Test on Sunday. The feisty tailender hammered five sixes and seven fours to add 69 runs for the unfinished last wicket with Shanthakumaran Sreesanth (14 not out), taking India to 436-9 at the close at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.

Harbhajan's onslaught followed his maiden Test century that helped India salvage a draw in the opener against the Kiwis in Ahmedabad.

New Zealand bowlers, led by Daniel Vettori (4-123), had reduced India to 367-9 but Harbhajan's defiant knock ensured India finished the day with a handy 86-run lead.