Blackcaps bowler Kyle Jamieson believes his side is well poised, after a hard-fought start to the World Test Championship final against India in Southampton.
After losing a day to rain, the Indians finished the second day at 146/3, with captain Virat Kohli (44) and Ajinka Rahane (29) rebuilding from a mini collapse that had them 89/3, before bad light ended play early.
Jamieson was the most effective bowler for the Blackcaps, snaring the key wicket of Rohit Sharma and conceding just 14 runs from as many overs, including nine maidens.
"I think it's pretty even at the moment," says Jamieson. "A pretty good day of test cricket really.
"The disruptions didn't help the momentum we were trying to get that we had at periods of time. They played really well.
“They put away the bad balls when they were there and they were really patient outside off.
"Our plan was to stick around there and, credit to them, they were able to play pretty well. We were able to keep things relatively restricted and grabbed three important wickets as well."
Neil Wagner and Trent Boult claimed the other two scalps for New Zealand, who perhaps should've further capitalised on the favourable overhead conditions and what seemed a critical win at the toss.
"It was obviously pretty crucial to keep the ball in reasonable areas for a long period," Jamieson adds.
"It was good to halt their momentum a little bit. How we did that as a bowling unit throughout the day, after they started off pretty well, was pleasing and it kept things in the balance very nicely.
"Obviously, we know they are a quality line-up from one to 11. There's a reason why they've been one of the top teams in the world for a long period of time."
The 26-year-old Aucklander insists there are plenty of encouraging signs to build on, heading into day three, although the weather forecast continues to cast a long shadow over proceedings, with more rain on the radar.
"As a unit, it was about trying to keep the ball in the right areas for long periods and I think we were able to do that for the most part today," says Jamieson.
"We'll certainly take a lot of confidence out of that moving into tomorrow."
Join us at 9:30pm Sunday for live updates of the World Test Championship final between the Blackcaps and India
