When New Zealand finished Day 2 at 129/0, many thought the Indians will have to toil hard for wickets against such a strong Kiwi batting line-up. But once the opening stand was broken by Ravi Ashwin, there was no looking back for India. If the first session went to New Zealand, the next two belonged to the hosts, led by Axar Patel, who claimed his fifth five-wicket haul in seven innings as the Kiwis lost 9 wickets for 99 runs, New Zealand were bowled out for 296 in reply to India's first inning total of 345. However, the only thing that went against the Indians on the day was Shubman Gill's wicket in the second innings before bad light stopped play. India start Day 4 with a lead of 63 runs.