Bangalore, Sep 3 (IANS): New Zealand struck a double blow, dismissing openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir early in the Indian second innings on the fourth day of the second cricket Test match here Monday. The hosts were 88/2 at lunch.

Sehwag (34) and Gambhir (38) left for the pavillion chasing a target of 261. Sachin Tendulkar (0) and Cheteshwar Pujara (10) were at the crease when lunch was called.

The Kiwi second innings, overnight 232/9, lasted a further 17 minutes and ended on 248 after Jeetan Patel (22) was ruled caught behind off Zaheer Khan -- a decision not vindicated by television replays that suggested that the ball missed the bat by some margin.

Needing 261 to win, with time of no consequence, Sehwag and Gambhir waded into the Kiwi attack in a rollicking partnership that raised 77 runs off just 71 balls.

Sehwag swished his bat about, lucky to get away with a few edges, but on the balance, punished the loose balls while Gambhir played some well-timed shots that promised a big innings.

But just when the pair looked like prospering further, Sehwag, having smashed off-spinner Jeetan Patel for a six and a boundary, charged out -- only to be bowled.

A little later, Gambhir, who looked to be in good touch, also fell, fishing at an away going delivery off Trent Boult to be caught in the slips by Ross Taylor, a ball after surviving a massive appeal for leg-before.

The two dismissals brought about a dramatic change to the proceedings even as dark clouds massed overhead and the floodlights were switched on.

Tendulkar and Pujara survived some testing moments as Boult, inspired by Gambhir's wicket, bowled a hostile spell that was complemented by Doug Bracewell.