Yashasvi Jaiswal moved to 46* in just 36 deliveries as India got off to a fast start chasing a mammoth target of 359 on the third morning of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. The vagaries of the pitch and the gigantic margin of the target had no effect on Jaiswal, who hit the second ball of India’s innings for six off Tim Southee to make a statement. Similar to India’s second innings performance in Bengaluru, the intent was once again overdone by the hosts, who however lost captain Rohit Sharma cheaply.

The Indian captain became Mitchell Santner’s eighth wicket of the game when he got out and offered a bat-pad catch to short leg. Shubman Gill (22* from 20) has also been proactive and has shown much better gameplay against spin so far. Both batsmen made swings with good success, but the hits were not premeditated. The highlight of the session was Jaiswal’s strike over extra cover against Glenn Phillips just before the break. The pitch has many tricks up its sleeve and batting won’t be easy, but India’s attack has certainly surprised New Zealand.

Earlier in the morning, India took the last five New Zealand wickets and added just 57 runs to the overnight score. The first 30 minutes of the day did not go in India’s favor but when Ravindra Jadeja attacked Tom Blundell with a slippery arm ball, the tourists imploded. Santner went deep against Jadeja while Tim Southee managed first slip as the wickets started to fall. Ajaz Patel also failed with a shot deep as India continued to falter. Phillips played his shots from the other side but was left with no partners as William ORourke (No.11) was out at the non-striker’s end.

Despite the implosion, the hefty lead of 358 is potentially game-winning on most pitches, let alone that crumbling surface in Pune. However, India have already missed 81 runs with their attacking brand of cricket. It’s clear the hosts will bowl hard, but that will also give New Zealand plenty of chances to break through the batting line-up. It prepares us for an exciting matchday.

Short scores: New Zealand 259 and 255 (Tom Latham 86; Washington Sundar 4-56, Ravindra Jadeja 3-72) lead India 156 and 81/1 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 46*; Mitchell Santner 1-30) from 277 runs