Wellington, April 6:

India were on the brink of their first series win in New Zealand since 1968 after the hosts lost four second-innings wickets still needing 450 runs for victory in the third Test here on Monday.

The hosts were struggling at 167-4 when bad light stopped play on the fourth day, after being set a massive target of 617.

The New Zealand second innings threatened to fall apart after lunch, until Ross Taylor offered some strong resistance on the way to an unbeaten 69. James Franklin was not out on 26 as the pair put on 83 runs for the fifth wicket to avoid an embarrassing rout. Earlier, India declared their second innings at 434-7 to ensure the massive lead.