AUCKLAND: New Zealand struck back with three crucial wickets including century-maker Shikhar Dhawan to keep the first Test against India evenly poised on the fourth day Sunday.
At tea, India were 270-5 and requiring a further 137 runs to reach their 407 target while New Zealand need another five wickets.
Rohit Sharma was not out 19 with Mahendra Singh Dhoni on two.
Dhawan and Virat Kohli had appeared to be building a potentially match-winning third-wicket partnership when Neil Wagner snapped their 126-run stand.
Toiling with an ageing ball, Wagner had Kohli caught low down by wicketkeeper BJ Watling for 67 and then nicked Dhawan's glove to remove the opener for 115.
It was the second Test century for the 28-year-old Dhawan, a late bloomer who was not required for Test duty until early last year.
New Zealand were fortunate to claim their third wicket of the session when Trent Boult rapped Ajinkya Rahane (18) on the pads with the first delivery of the new ball in the last over before tea.
Replays showed the in-swinger hit Rahane's bat first but there is no review system operating in this Test.
India had resumed the day at 87-1 and lost the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara early in the day when he was caught behind off Tim Southee for 23.
Bowling for New Zealand, Southee has three for 47 and Wagner two for 55.
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