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India were final in on their first test series victory in New Zealand since 1968 as they comprehensive their lead to 233 runs at the close of play on the second day of the third and final test on Saturday.

Zaheer finished with five for 65 from 18 overs as New Zealand conceded a 182-run lead after they had bowled India out for 379 earlier in the day.

The company, who hold a 1-0 series lead after a 10-wicket victory in the first game in Hamilton, were 51 for one at the close after Zaheer Khan's seventh five-wicket haul helped bowl the hosts out for 197 in their first innings.

The visitors extended that lead with only the loss of explosive opener Virendra Shehavag, who blasted three boundaries in his seven-ball innings of 12.
Sehwag was caught by first slip Ross Taylor when a vicious bouncer from Chris Martin brushed his glove.

Gautam Gambhir was on 28 while Rahul Dravid was on nine as the shadows lengthened across the ground.

New Zealand reverts back from daylight saving time on Sunday, which will undoubtedly shorten the remaining days' play by at least 30 minutes in the fading light.

Zaheer took advantage of a blustery northerly wind to produce some swing and sharp bounce, though New Zealand's batsmen did not help themselves with poor shot making.

"He had an extra yard on his, looking up at the screen it was his normal speed, but he bent his back and hurried the batsmen up a little bit," New Zealand's Taylor said of Zaheer's bowling. "He bowled extremely well.

"Only batting 65 overs is very disappointing and also not giving our bowlers enough rest is also disappointing," he added.