Riding on a collective bowling effort, Team India routed New Zealand in the ODI series opener at McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday (January 23).

Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to bat first. Kuldeep Yadav picked up four wickets while Mohammad Shami claimed three wickets as India wrapped up the hosts for only 157 runs in 38 overs. Williamson was the top-scorer for his team with 64.

Chasing the paltry target, Shikhar Dhawan played an unbeaten knock of 75 while Virat Kohli scored 45 as the visitors sealed the deal with 8 wickets in hand and 85 balls to spare.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Williamson said: "Certainly wasn't our best effort. India, we expected them to be good and they really were on top of the game. Their whole bowling unit contributed well and they need credit for that. We also did well with the ball, showed enough intent and will hope to take those things forward."

"The surface wasn't as traditional as we thought it to be. India bowled well, particularly the lengths hit by their slower bowlers were really good. Getting to just 150-ish on a pitch where 250-plus was needed, doesn't help. I think we didn't adjust well enough to the surface, don't think it was the lack of match practice that cost us," he added.

While New Zealand suffered a disappointing defeat days after annihilating Sri Lanka 3-0 in a series at home, Team India continues to ride on the success of their historic tour of Australia. Kohli and company recently registered their first-ever bilateral ODI series win on Australian soil.

The second ODI will take place at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday (January 26).