Team India began their New Zealand ODI series with an 8-wicket triumph in the first ODI. This was Indian teams first ODI win in New Zealand over the hosts since 2009.

The credit to the win went to Indian bowlers and Shikhar Dhawan’s 75*. Mohammad Shami picked 3/19, while Kuldeep Yadav picked four wickets and Chahal chipped in with two, as Kiwis were dismissed for 158 runs.

Indian chase got off to an inauspicious start, losing Rohit early. However, after a few overs, something rare was seen, as play had to be stopped for nearly 40 minutes as the setting sun got into the batsmen’s eyes, hampering their vision.

Shikhar Dhawan complained about the same to the umpires and the umpires decided to take a break until the sun went down enough for play to resume.

Asked if he had experienced stoppage in play because of the sun, Kohli said: "Never in my life. I actually got out in a game in 2014 because the sun was in my eyes. This rule (play stopping because of sun) wasn't there then. I am glad there's a rule now."

"This is one of our more balanced performances. Could not have asked for anything more with the ball. 150-odd on that pitch was an easy chase and all credit to the bowlers. The fast bowling group togther believe they can knock any team over. Mohammad Shami is the fittest I have ever seen," Kohli said crediting the bowlers for the win.

It was a good day for Kohli as well, as his 45 runs helped him break into the top 10 ODI run scorers of all time, as he went past West Indies’ Brian Lara. Kohli is now one of four Indians in the top-10 leading ODI batsmen.

(indiatoday.in inputs)