BULAWAYO (Zimbabwe), Sept 14: Vangipurappu Laxman cashed in with a century as India seized a first-innings lead on a flat pitch on the second day of the first Test against Zimbabwe on Wednesday. India were 325 for three at the close, 46 runs ahead after Zimbabwe were dismissed for 279 in their first innings.

Laxman, unbeaten on 125 — his eighth test century, began circumspectly before exerting his dominance in a 186-ball innings that included 18 fours. He became the 10th Indian to score 4000 Test runs.

Laxman and Rahul Dravid (77) compiled a third-wicket stand of 130 to lay the foundations for a big total.

Dravid took control as India reached 207 for two at tea, but was dismissed eight overs after the break when he tried to force Mahwire off the back foot and was caught at slip by Brendan Taylor off Blessing Mahwire.

Laxman and under-pressure Indian captain Saurav Ganguly then scratched around for 45 minutes before ramming home India’s advantage with an unbroken stand of 97.

Openers Gautam Gambhir (46) and Virender Sehwag (44) took the attack to the Zimbabwean new-ball bowlers, adding 88 before Sehwag was bowled by Mahwire, who also accounted for Gambhir just after lunch.

Mahwire has 3-67 from 16 overs.

Zimbabwe had resumed their first innings on 265 for seven but were undone by the swing of Irfan Pathan who picked up the remaining three wickets in 28 minutes to finish with five for 58. Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu finished unbeaten on 71.

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