India, spearheaded by its spinners, crushed New Zealand by 272 runs on the last day of the fourth and final Test here [Auckland] to-day [March 12]. New Zealand, set to score 374 in 300 minutes to win, was skittled out for 101 soon after tea to give India a 3-1 victory in the series. Prasanna did most damage to the New Zealand batting with four for 40, while left-arm leg-spinner Bedi weighed in with three for 14. Surti gave valuable support claiming two wickets for 30 runs. This partly made up for his disappointment at missing his maiden Test century by just one run during the morning session when India had resumed at 216 for four. The Nawab of Pataudi declared the innings closed at 261 for five leaving C.G. Borde undefeated with 65.
