The hosts completely dominated the No. 1 side on the first day of the Test series opener.
Amid the anticipation, the two-match Test series between India and New Zealand finally got underway in Wellington on Friday (February 21).
Asked to bat first, the visitors got off to a terrible start as Tim Southee bowled Prithvi Shaw for just 16. Afterwards, debutant pacer Kyle Jamieson wreaked havoc on the Indian batting line-up, dismissing Cheteshwar Pujara (11) and skipper Virat Kohli (2) cheaply.
Opener Mayank Agarwal showed some resistance and added 44 runs for the fourth wicket with Ajinkya Rahane before Trent Boult removed the former for 34.
There was yet some hope for a revival as Hanuma Vihari arrived into the middle to partner Rahane. But Jamieson wasn't done rattling the tourists as he sent Vihari packing for only 7.
Play in the last session wasn’t possible due to rain and India ended the first day on 122/5 after facing 55 overs. While vice-captain Rahane remained unbeaten on 38, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant finished with 10 not out.
Brief Scores:
India 122/5 (Ajinkya Rahane 38*; Mayank Agarwal 34) versus New Zealand (Kyle Jamieson 3-38; Tim Southee 1-27) till stumps on Day 1.