Morgan hat-trick puts NZ U-19 on top; 116/2 in reply to India's 124

Christchurch, Feb 3 (UNI) Greg Morgan took a hat-trick as New Zealand Under-19 dismissed India colts for a paltry 124 and gave a strong reply in their first innings in the third 'Test' at Bert Sutcliffe Oval at Lincoln.

Morgan finished with three for 23, while Dean Barlett and second 'Test' star performer Timothy Southee returning with figures of three for 33 and four for 48 respectively, after the hosts' captain A De Boorder won the toss and put India in.

For India, A Rane top-scored with 56 while Tanmay Srivastava (22) and Yo Mahesh got the starts but failed to capitalise on them to post big scores.

In reply, the Kiwi colts were 116 for two when first day's play ended early due to bad light, trailing by just eight runs with as many first innings wickets in hand.

Jeet Ravel was unbeaten on 51, in partnership with skipper De Boorder (35 not out).

The three-match series is now squared at 1-1. While India won the first 'Test' here, the hosts came back strongly to level the series at Dunedin.

Brief Scorecard: India 1st innings: 124 all out in 47 overs (A Rane 56, Tanmay Srivastava 22, Yo Mahesh 15; Timothy Southee 4/48, Dean Bartlett 3/33, Greg Morgan 3/23) New Zealand 1st innings: 116/2 in 27 overs (Jeet Raval 51 not out, A de Boorder 35 not out) UNI