Zaheer, Harbhajan wrap up New Zealand first innings for 350

HYDERABAD - Zaheer Khan and Harbjahan Singh shared six wickets between them in the morning session to bowl out New Zealand for 350 on the second day of the second cricket Test here Saturday.

The visitors were bowled out immediately after lunch.

Resuming at 258 for four, New Zealand batting crumbled in the first session and the visitors could add only 85 more to their overnight total to reach 341 for nine at lunch.

Zaheer (4-69) struck with the second new ball and was well complemented by Harbhajan (4-76), who finally regained his touch with the ball.

Ahmedabad Test centurion Jesse Ryder (70) held one end strong and was impressive during his 120-ball knock, stroking 10 fours. Ryder is nursing a calf strain which he picked in Ahmedabad, but was the mainstay of New Zealand batting as he added 48 runs off 56 balls to his first day’s score of 22.

The burly batsman, however, struggled with his fitness and was reluctant to sneak in quick singles. He was dismissed by Harbhajan, edging a catch to V.V.S. Laxman at first slip, shortly before lunch.

Zaheer troubled the visitors with his moving deliveries. He first dismissed Gareth Hopkins (4) lbw and then trapped Kane Williamson (4), who attempted to play across the line of a straight delivery.

Worst followed for the Black Caps when skipper Daniel Vettori (11) was also adjudged leg before while sweeping Harbhajan.

Tim Southee (10) became Harbhajan’s third victim when he was stumped two overs before lunch.