Gambhir’s marathon stand saves India in Napier

[YouthFul]

NAPIER, New Zealand: A heroic stand of 137 in nearly 11 hours at the crease by Gautam Gambhir ensured the second Test between India and New Zealand ended in a draw on Monday.

When Gambhir’s match-saving, marathon performance came to an end he had batted through three days’ play and rescued his side from a perilous situation.

After New Zealand made 619-9 declared, India were in strife when they were rolled for 305 in their first innings and lost their opening second innings wicket at 30 when asked to follow on. But Gambhir, in his 24th Test, was unfazed by the carnage and set about a rescue mission that lasted 642 minutes and ended with India all but safe.

It was left to VVS Laxman on 124, the 14th century of his Test career, and Yuvraj Singh on 54 to bat out the last two hours and get India across the line.

They were 162 runs ahead and their 1-0 series lead was intact when time was called 70 minutes early. New Zealand have one chance left to salvage a draw from this three-game series when the final Test starts in Wellington on Friday.