Ashwin, Jadeja star as India crush Kiwis in landmark 500th Test

Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Sept 26 (ANI): India marked their historic 500th Test with a resounding 197-run win over New Zealand in the opening match and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the Green Park Stadium here on Monday. Chasing an improbable 434 for victory, New Zealand were bundled out for 236 in their second innings despite resolute half-centuries from Luke Ronchi (80) and Mitchell Santner (71) on the fifth day. India's premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin once again hogged the limelight as he bagged six wickets to add to his first-innings haul of four wickets. This is the fifth time that he has taken a 10-wicket haul in the longest format of the game. Ravindra Jadeja was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul in the first innings and scoring an unbeaten 50 in the second innings. He also remained not out on 42 in India's first innings total of 318. Resuming the day's play on 93 for four, New Zealand put up a staunch fightback as overnight batsmen Ronchi and Santner stitched a 102-run partnership to give the tourists a glimmer of hope of clinching a draw. After resisting a persistent Indian bowling line-up in the first hour of play, Ronchi lost concentration minutes after drinks as Jadeja managed to break the tourists' stand when the batsman mistimed a flatter delivery and was caught at point by Ashwin. Pace spearhead Mohammed Shami then bagged two wickets, including wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling to leave New Zealand reeling at 205 for seven at lunch. Needing 229 to win the match, New Zealand could only add 31 runs more after the lunch as Ashwin removed the tail-enders with ease. The second match of the series will start in Kolkata on Friday. (ANI)