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Tendulkar posts 42nd Test century for India

  • Story Highlights
  • Sachin Tendulkar posts 42nd Test century of his record breaking career
  • 'Little Master' hits 26 boundaries in a largely chanceless knock in Hamilton
  • Kiwis trail by 166 runs with only seven second innings wickets left
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(CNN) -- Sachin Tendulkar completed his 42nd Test century as India headed for victory in the opening Test against New Zealand in Hamilton on Friday.

Tendulkar was at his impeccable best on the way to another landmark.

Tendulkar was at his impeccable best on the way to another landmark.

Test cricket's leading run scorer went on to make 160 in the Indian first innings of 520, an overall lead of 241.

New Zealand lost key wickets to finish 75 for three by the close, still trailing by 166 runs with two days remaining.

Tendulkar, unbeaten on 70 overnight, took command in the morning session with a series of impeccable boundaries.

He reached his landmark with a quick single off James Franklin and found good support from Indian captain MS Dhoni after the early departure of Yuvraj Singh.

He was bowled by Chris Martin, but it was the only success the home side enjoyed before lunch.

By the time Tendulkar edged a superb Iain O'Brien delivery to Ross Taylor in the slips in the 14th over of the afternoon session he had put his side firmly in command.

O'Brien also removed Dhoni in a superb spell, caught behind by wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum just three runs shy of his 15th Test half-century.

Good late order contributions from Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh further increased the misery for the Kiwis who faced a big deficit in their second innings.

Tim McIntosh was caught by Tendulkar at first slip for a duck, but debutant opener Martin Guptill and Daniel Flynn put together a fine stand until the former fell two runs short of his maiden Test half-century.

He misjudged a Harbhajan Singh delivery and Virender Sehwag was on hand to make the easy catch.

Nightwatchman Kyle Mills went to the last ball of the day, trapped leg before wicket to Munaf Patel.

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