India's left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav clinched four wickets to restrict New Zealand to a paltry 157 runs in the first One-day International against India at the McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday.

The host's innings ended in just 38 overs with skipper Kane Williamson scoring the highest runs.

Williamson slammed a brilliant half-century to put up a decent fight but failed to find any partner at the other end as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.

Earlier, right-arm leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Ross Taylor and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham in quick succession to put India in a &nbsp;dominating position. Kedar Jadhav too managed to take a wicket, thanks to a brilliant catch by Kuldeep Yadav.&nbsp;

Pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early.

Opting to bat, the host lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both the players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami. Meanwhile, skipper Kane Williamson is going strong but requires a partner at the other end to put up a decent target for India. &nbsp;

Speaking after winning the toss, Williamson said, "Looks a good surface here and we want to put a score on the board. We know India are a good chasing side but we want to put runs on the board and I'm sure the surface will play the same throughout. Just the one spinner - Mitch Santner is back and also Doug Bracewell is in. It's about balancing the side, seam-bowling all-rounder is needed and that's what Bracewell comes in. I think it will be a fair pitch regardless of whether you're bowling seam, spin or batting. We were good in the SL series but want to keep improving. Looking for a good series to be played in the right spirit."

India, on the other hand, recently ended the Australia tour by creating several historic records.&nbsp;

Talking about their strategy for today, skipper Kohli said, "the bowlers have played a major part in us being a top team than the batsmen really. It's a batsmen's game and the crowd come in to see fours and sixes. I feel that our side is very balanced at the moment with good depth in batting and bowling. Pretty relaxed with where we stand as a team."&nbsp;

"It's going to be a competitive series. New Zealand are a good side and they play with the right spirit. They are a side that everyone must look upto in terms of carrying yourself on the field. Mutual respect is always there between us. Our motivation to win games remain the same irrespective of opposition. We're not going to have any incidents," Kohli concluded.

India's left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav clinched four wickets to restrict New Zealand to a paltry 157 runs in the first One-day International against India at the McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday.

India's left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav clinched four wickets to restrict New Zealand to a paltry 157 runs in the first One-day International against India at the McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday. The host's innings ended in just 38 overs with skipper Kane Williamson scoring the highest runs. Williamson slammed a brilliant half-century to put up a decent fight but failed to find any partner at the other end as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Earlier, right-arm leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Ross Taylor and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham in quick succession to put India in a dominating position. Kedar Jadhav too managed to take a wicket, thanks to a brilliant catch by Kuldeep Yadav. Pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early. Opting to bat, the host lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both the players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami. Meanwhile, skipper Kane Williamson is going strong but requires a partner at the other end to put up a decent target for India. Speaking after winning the toss, Williamson said, "Looks a good surface here and we want to put a score on the board. We know India are a good chasing side but we want to put runs on the board and I'm sure the surface will play the same throughout. Just the one spinner - Mitch Santner is back and also Doug Bracewell is in. It's about balancing the side, seam-bowling all-rounder is needed and that's what Bracewell comes in. I think it will be a fair pitch regardless of whether you're bowling seam, spin or batting. We were good in the SL series but want to keep improving. Looking for a good series to be played in the right spirit." India, on the other hand, recently ended the Australia tour by creating several historic records. Talking about their strategy for today, skipper Kohli said, "the bowlers have played a major part in us being a top team than the batsmen really. It's a batsmen's game and the crowd come in to see fours and sixes. I feel that our side is very balanced at the moment with good depth in batting and bowling. Pretty relaxed with where we stand as a team." "It's going to be a competitive series. New Zealand are a good side and they play with the right spirit. They are a side that everyone must look upto in terms of carrying yourself on the field. Mutual respect is always there between us. Our motivation to win games remain the same irrespective of opposition. We're not going to have any incidents," Kohli concluded.

1st ODI: New Zealand all out for 157, Kuldeep Yadav clinches four wickets

India's right-arm leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Ross Taylor and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham in quick succession to put India in a &nbsp;dominating position in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier.

Kedar Jadhav too managed to take a wicket, thanks to a brilliant catch by Kuldeep Yadav.&nbsp; After 24 overs, Kiwis score stands at 107 for the loss of five wickets.&nbsp;

Opting to bat, the host lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both the players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami. Meanwhile,&nbsp;skipper Kane Williamson is going strong but requires a partner at the other end to put up a decent target for India. &nbsp;

Speaking after winning the toss, Williamson said, "Looks a good surface here and we want to put a score on the board. We know India are a good chasing side but we want to put runs on the board and I'm sure the surface will play the same throughout. Just the one spinner - Mitch Santner is back and also Doug Bracewell is in. It's about balancing the side, seam-bowling all-rounder is needed and that's what Bracewell comes in. I think it will be a fair pitch regardless of whether you're bowling seam, spin or batting. We were good in the SL series but want to keep improving. Looking for a good series to be played in the right spirit."

India, on the other hand, recently ended the Australia tour by creating several historic records.&nbsp;

Talking about their strategy for today, skipper Kohli said, "the bowlers have played a major part in us being a top team than the batsmen really. It's a batsmen's game and the crowd come in to see fours and sixes. I feel that our side is very balanced at the moment with good depth in batting and bowling. Pretty relaxed with where we stand as a team."&nbsp;

"It's going to be a competitive series. New Zealand are a good side and they play with the right spirit. They are a side that everyone must look upto in terms of carrying yourself on the field. Mutual respect is always there between us. Our motivation to win games remain the same irrespective of opposition. We're not going to have any incidents," Kohli concluded.

Teams: 
New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu, Vijay Shankar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami

India's right-arm leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Ross Taylor and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham in quick succession to put India in a dominating position in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier.

India's right-arm leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Ross Taylor and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham in quick succession to put India in a dominating position in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier. Kedar Jadhav too managed to take a wicket, thanks to a brilliant catch by Kuldeep Yadav. After 24 overs, Kiwis score stands at 107 for the loss of five wickets. Opting to bat, the host lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both the players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami. Meanwhile, skipper Kane Williamson is going strong but requires a partner at the other end to put up a decent target for India. Speaking after winning the toss, Williamson said, "Looks a good surface here and we want to put a score on the board. We know India are a good chasing side but we want to put runs on the board and I'm sure the surface will play the same throughout. Just the one spinner - Mitch Santner is back and also Doug Bracewell is in. It's about balancing the side, seam-bowling all-rounder is needed and that's what Bracewell comes in. I think it will be a fair pitch regardless of whether you're bowling seam, spin or batting. We were good in the SL series but want to keep improving. Looking for a good series to be played in the right spirit." India, on the other hand, recently ended the Australia tour by creating several historic records. Talking about their strategy for today, skipper Kohli said, "the bowlers have played a major part in us being a top team than the batsmen really. It's a batsmen's game and the crowd come in to see fours and sixes. I feel that our side is very balanced at the moment with good depth in batting and bowling. Pretty relaxed with where we stand as a team." "It's going to be a competitive series. New Zealand are a good side and they play with the right spirit. They are a side that everyone must look upto in terms of carrying yourself on the field. Mutual respect is always there between us. Our motivation to win games remain the same irrespective of opposition. We're not going to have any incidents," Kohli concluded. Teams: New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu, Vijay Shankar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami

1st ODI: Chahal removes Taylor, Latham in quick succession; NZ are 107/5 after 24 overs

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, the hosts lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami.

After eight overs, the&nbsp;Kiwi&nbsp;score stood at 28 for the loss of two wickets.&nbsp;

Speaking after winning the toss, Kiwi captain Kane Williams said, "Looks a good surface here and we want to put a score on the board. We know India are a good chasing side but we want to put runs on the board and I'm sure the surface will play the same throughout. Just the one spinner - Mitch Santner is back and also Doug Bracewell is in. It's about balancing the side, seam-bowling all-rounder is needed and that's what Bracewell comes in. I think it will be a fair pitch regardless of whether you're bowling seam, spin or batting. We were good in the SL series but want to keep improving. Looking for a good series to be played in the right spirit."

India recently ended their Australia tour <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-3rd-odi-india-eye-perfect-finish-to-historic-tour-191022">by creating several </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-3rd-odi-india-eye-perfect-finish-to-historic-tour-191022">historic</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-3rd-odi-india-eye-perfect-finish-to-historic-tour-191022"> records</a>.&nbsp;

Talking about their strategy for today, skipper Kohli said, "the bowlers have played a major part in us being a top team than the batsmen really. It's a batsmen's game and the crowd come in to see fours and sixes. I feel that our side is very balanced at the moment with good depth in batting and bowling. Pretty relaxed with where we stand as a team."&nbsp;

"It's going to be a competitive series. New Zealand are a good side and they play with the right spirit. They are a side that everyone must look upto in terms of carrying yourself on the field. Mutual respect is always there between us. Our motivation to win games remain the same irrespective of opposition. We're not going to have any incidents," Kohli concluded.

Teams: 
New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu, Vijay Shankar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami 
&nbsp;

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday. Opting to bat first, the hosts lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday. Opting to bat first, the hosts lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami. After eight overs, the Kiwi score stood at 28 for the loss of two wickets. Speaking after winning the toss, Kiwi captain Kane Williams said, "Looks a good surface here and we want to put a score on the board. We know India are a good chasing side but we want to put runs on the board and I'm sure the surface will play the same throughout. Just the one spinner - Mitch Santner is back and also Doug Bracewell is in. It's about balancing the side, seam-bowling all-rounder is needed and that's what Bracewell comes in. I think it will be a fair pitch regardless of whether you're bowling seam, spin or batting. We were good in the SL series but want to keep improving. Looking for a good series to be played in the right spirit." India recently ended their Australia tour by creating several historic records. Talking about their strategy for today, skipper Kohli said, "the bowlers have played a major part in us being a top team than the batsmen really. It's a batsmen's game and the crowd come in to see fours and sixes. I feel that our side is very balanced at the moment with good depth in batting and bowling. Pretty relaxed with where we stand as a team." "It's going to be a competitive series. New Zealand are a good side and they play with the right spirit. They are a side that everyone must look upto in terms of carrying yourself on the field. Mutual respect is always there between us. Our motivation to win games remain the same irrespective of opposition. We're not going to have any incidents," Kohli concluded. Teams: New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu, Vijay Shankar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami

IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Shami strikes twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-pursue-extradition-of-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-confirms-us-justice-department-192267">Will pursue extradition of Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, confirms US justice department</a>

As Meng's extradition looms, Canadian ambassador to China John Mccallum said she had a good defence case.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhis-fall-is-priyankas-rise-up-bjp-192271">Rahul Gandhi's fall is Priyanka's rise: UP BJP</a>

BJP leader and UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh said.Priyanka Gandhi can be judged from her management so far of the Rae Bareli constituency, where he claimed no development has taken place.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/dhawans-unbeaten-75-helps-india-beat-new-zealand-by-8-wickets-in-1st-odi-192244">Dhawan's unbeaten 75 helps India beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in 1st ODI</a>

India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first ODI, which was reduced to 49 overs&nbsp;to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/karan-johar-apologises-for-hardik-pandyas-koffee-with-karan-episode-i-feel-responsible-as-it-was-my-show-192250">Karan Johar apologises for Hardik Pandya's 'Koffee With Karan' episode</a>

Karan admitted that the conversation “may have crossed boundaries” as he spoke of feeling “responsible”.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chinese-model-who-featured-in-controversial-dolce-gabbana-ad-issues-apology-192272">Chinese model who featured in controversial Dolce &amp; Gabbana ad issues apology</a>

It all started with a promotional video for the brand in which Zuo featured as a girl who was shown eating pizza and spaghetti with chopsticks -- that came across as culturally insensitive.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Will pursue extradition of Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, confirms US justice department As Meng's extradition looms, Canadian ambassador to China John Mccallum said she had a good defence case.

Will pursue extradition of Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, confirms US justice department As Meng's extradition looms, Canadian ambassador to China John Mccallum said she had a good defence case. Rahul Gandhi's fall is Priyanka's rise: UP BJP BJP leader and UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh said.Priyanka Gandhi can be judged from her management so far of the Rae Bareli constituency, where he claimed no development has taken place. Dhawan's unbeaten 75 helps India beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in 1st ODI India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first ODI, which was reduced to 49 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Karan Johar apologises for Hardik Pandya's 'Koffee With Karan' episode Karan admitted that the conversation “may have crossed boundaries” as he spoke of feeling “responsible”. Chinese model who featured in controversial Dolce & Gabbana ad issues apology It all started with a promotional video for the brand in which Zuo featured as a girl who was shown eating pizza and spaghetti with chopsticks -- that came across as culturally insensitive.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first ODI, which was reduced to 49 overs because of sun, to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Anchored by Shikhar Dhawan's patient half-century, India chased down the target of 156 runs set by the host in just 34.5 overs at the McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday.

He remained unbeaten at 75 along with Ambati Rayadu who contributed 13 runs. Skipper Virat Kohli also made 45 runs but lost his wicket five runs short to his half-century to Lockie Ferguson. His inning included three boundaries.

Earlier, Indian openers gave India the required start before Rohit Sharma lost his wicket, soon after the dinner break. &nbsp;He was dismissed off Doug Bracewell after making just 11 runs.

In bowling, India's left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav clinched four wickets to restrict New Zealand to a paltry 157. The host innings ended in just 38 overs with skipper Kane Williamson scoring the highest runs.

Williamson slammed a brilliant half-century to put up a decent fight but failed to find any partner at the other end as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. He lost his wicket at 64 while trying to hit a big shot.&nbsp;

At a point, right-arm leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had dismissed Ross Taylor and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham in quick succession to put India in a &nbsp;dominating position. Kedar Jadhav too managed to take a wicket, thanks to a brilliant catch by Kuldeep Yadav.&nbsp;

Pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early. Later, he took one more wicket to take his count to three.&nbsp;

Opting to bat, New Zealand lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both the players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami.&nbsp;

India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first ODI, which was reduced to 49 overs because of sun, to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Anchored by Shikhar Dhawan's patient half-century, India chased down the target of 156 runs set by the host in just 34.

India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first ODI, which was reduced to 49 overs because of sun, to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Anchored by Shikhar Dhawan's patient half-century, India chased down the target of 156 runs set by the host in just 34.5 overs at the McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday. He remained unbeaten at 75 along with Ambati Rayadu who contributed 13 runs. Skipper Virat Kohli also made 45 runs but lost his wicket five runs short to his half-century to Lockie Ferguson. His inning included three boundaries. Earlier, Indian openers gave India the required start before Rohit Sharma lost his wicket, soon after the dinner break. He was dismissed off Doug Bracewell after making just 11 runs. In bowling, India's left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav clinched four wickets to restrict New Zealand to a paltry 157. The host innings ended in just 38 overs with skipper Kane Williamson scoring the highest runs. Williamson slammed a brilliant half-century to put up a decent fight but failed to find any partner at the other end as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. He lost his wicket at 64 while trying to hit a big shot. At a point, right-arm leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had dismissed Ross Taylor and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham in quick succession to put India in a dominating position. Kedar Jadhav too managed to take a wicket, thanks to a brilliant catch by Kuldeep Yadav. Pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early. Later, he took one more wicket to take his count to three. Opting to bat, New Zealand lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both the players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami.

Dhawan's unbeaten 75 helps India beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in 1st ODI

India captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday stressed on the importance of all-rounder Hardik Pandya's presence in the ODI side in order to get the ideal bowling combination for the World Cup. 
 
Pandya has been suspended pending inquiry after his sexist comments on a TV chat show and already the Indian team have had issues with their third specialist pacer ahead of the five-match ODI against New Zealand starting Wednesday. 
 
Rookies Khaleel Ahmed and Mohammed Siraj both got a fair amount of stick against Australia in the first two ODIs before Hardik's replacement Vijay Shankar bowled a steady spell of six overs in the series decider in Melbourne. 
 
When asked if there can be an ideal bowling combination, the skipper said: "Depends on the all-rounder to be honest. If you see the strongest sides in the world, they have two all-rounders at the least, some sides have three, so that gives you a lot of bowling options." 
 
For Kohli, a third fast bowler is an option only when a specialist all-rounder is unavailable. 
 
"Only if someone like a Vijay Shankar or a Hardik doesn't play, then (only) three fast bowlers makes sense. Because if an all-rounder can chip in with a few overs of seam up, then you don't necessarily need a guy bowling 140kmph as the third bowler along with the two fast bowlers," Kohli said ahead of the first ODI at McLean Park. 
 
Kohli, in a very subtle yet strong manner, put across his point about Hardik's absence from the side. 
 
"So whether it's me backing three bowlers or during Asia Cup, every time it happened when Hardik wasn't available. We have had to play three fast bowlers. So every time, the all-rounder is there, you are not thinking about a third fast bowler unless you are playing in conditions which are totally against spin bowling," the skipper said. 
 
While winning the series is important, the Indian captain made it clear that he would like to remain flexible about team combination keeping the World Cup in mind. 
 
"Look winning is always going to be a very important factor but the main thing is not to be desperate at this stage. There needs to be a good atmosphere in the change room, there needs to be calmness and collective effort towards just refining ourselves as a team approaching the World Cup." 
 
Kohli indicated that a few players could be tried here and there, raising hopes of young Shubman Gill getting an opportunity during the series. 
 
"Also to try a few players here and there and see how they react to different situations or different positions in the team. We are open to doing that as well.&nbsp; 
 
"You don't want to be too rigid because you want to be flexible in your mind and in your preparation to be able to competitive during a big tournament like the World Cup," the skipper explained. 
 
"I think we need a good balance of both even if we back a few players to play at some stage, the idea is still to win the games and not just think of it as an experiment," he set priorities right. 
 
New Zealand grounds presents a different challenge for bowlers with the boundaries on the shorter side. 
 
"You have to aware of side boundaries being really short in most of the grounds, so targeting the right areas of the ground becomes very important but I think bowlers require more composure here in terms of which are the shots that batsmen want to play, so you have the best chance of getting them out or restricting boundaries," the skipper observed. 
 
The current batting group is much more experienced compared to the one in 2014, said the skipper. 
 
"Well we have seen a lot of things that happened from the last series (2014) that we played here, like what were patterns and how the guys were trying to get us out last time, we were probably not an experienced a side back then in terms of batting group," he stated. 
 
"The key is not to panic too much in the field, when you see 300 being posted regularly as you have to back yourself as batting group to get those runs or set a big target when batting first, which I believe when we played last time, we didn't have the composure," he reasoned.&nbsp;

India captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday stressed on the importance of all-rounder Hardik Pandya's presence in the ODI side in order to get the ideal bowling combination for the World Cup.

India captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday stressed on the importance of all-rounder Hardik Pandya's presence in the ODI side in order to get the ideal bowling combination for the World Cup. Pandya has been suspended pending inquiry after his sexist comments on a TV chat show and already the Indian team have had issues with their third specialist pacer ahead of the five-match ODI against New Zealand starting Wednesday. Rookies Khaleel Ahmed and Mohammed Siraj both got a fair amount of stick against Australia in the first two ODIs before Hardik's replacement Vijay Shankar bowled a steady spell of six overs in the series decider in Melbourne. When asked if there can be an ideal bowling combination, the skipper said: "Depends on the all-rounder to be honest. If you see the strongest sides in the world, they have two all-rounders at the least, some sides have three, so that gives you a lot of bowling options." For Kohli, a third fast bowler is an option only when a specialist all-rounder is unavailable. "Only if someone like a Vijay Shankar or a Hardik doesn't play, then (only) three fast bowlers makes sense. Because if an all-rounder can chip in with a few overs of seam up, then you don't necessarily need a guy bowling 140kmph as the third bowler along with the two fast bowlers," Kohli said ahead of the first ODI at McLean Park. Kohli, in a very subtle yet strong manner, put across his point about Hardik's absence from the side. "So whether it's me backing three bowlers or during Asia Cup, every time it happened when Hardik wasn't available. We have had to play three fast bowlers. So every time, the all-rounder is there, you are not thinking about a third fast bowler unless you are playing in conditions which are totally against spin bowling," the skipper said. While winning the series is important, the Indian captain made it clear that he would like to remain flexible about team combination keeping the World Cup in mind. "Look winning is always going to be a very important factor but the main thing is not to be desperate at this stage. There needs to be a good atmosphere in the change room, there needs to be calmness and collective effort towards just refining ourselves as a team approaching the World Cup." Kohli indicated that a few players could be tried here and there, raising hopes of young Shubman Gill getting an opportunity during the series. "Also to try a few players here and there and see how they react to different situations or different positions in the team. We are open to doing that as well. "You don't want to be too rigid because you want to be flexible in your mind and in your preparation to be able to competitive during a big tournament like the World Cup," the skipper explained. "I think we need a good balance of both even if we back a few players to play at some stage, the idea is still to win the games and not just think of it as an experiment," he set priorities right. New Zealand grounds presents a different challenge for bowlers with the boundaries on the shorter side. "You have to aware of side boundaries being really short in most of the grounds, so targeting the right areas of the ground becomes very important but I think bowlers require more composure here in terms of which are the shots that batsmen want to play, so you have the best chance of getting them out or restricting boundaries," the skipper observed. The current batting group is much more experienced compared to the one in 2014, said the skipper. "Well we have seen a lot of things that happened from the last series (2014) that we played here, like what were patterns and how the guys were trying to get us out last time, we were probably not an experienced a side back then in terms of batting group," he stated. "The key is not to panic too much in the field, when you see 300 being posted regularly as you have to back yourself as batting group to get those runs or set a big target when batting first, which I believe when we played last time, we didn't have the composure," he reasoned.

IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya's absence forces us into playing three seamers, says Virat Kohli

Considered the 'next big thing' in Indian cricket, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-ambati-rayudu-reported-for-suspect-bowling-action-during-first-odi-190009">Shubman Gill has broken into the national team sooner</a> than he expected and says there can't be a better place to start his international career than New Zealand, where he was named player of U-19 World Cup, 12 months ago.&nbsp;

The last one year has seen the 19-year-old opener take giant strides.&nbsp;

The Mohali-based cricketer has followed his U-19 captain Prithvi Shaw to make the Indian team, albeit in the shorter formats, after a 'dream' 2018 when he bagged a lucrative IPL contract following a stellar World Cup and made 790 runs in 10 innings at 98.75 in Punjab's latest Ranji Trophy campaign.&nbsp;

He was also part of the Rahul Dravid India A side that toured New Zealand last month.&nbsp;

"It is a big advantage (to be picked for the New Zealand tour). I played well there in the U-19 World Cup and now again I have got the opportunity," Gill told PTI on Sunday after getting the news of his life, late last night.&nbsp;

" As I have done well there, I can say that there isn't much adjustment needed in the technique. If I get an opportunity, I will have just need to handle the pressure that comes with playing for India. Mentally, it will be different for sure but I am ready."&nbsp;

He is a supremely gifted and confident cricketer but the occasion got the better of him when he was informed about his selection.&nbsp;

"It was late in the night. My heart started beating faster. The messages started pouring in and I rushed to tell my father. It was a special moment," said Gill.

Gill knew his time would come, something he had expressed to PTI after a fruitful campaign in the Deodhar Trophy in October, shortly after Shaw's sensational Test debut.&nbsp;

Even senior Punjab teammate Yuvraj Singh and his IPL captain Dinesh Karthik, who was amongst the first few to congratulate Gill, knew it was only a matter of time before he reaches the biggest stage and that would probably happen after the World Cup in May-July.

But Gill has got the selectors' nod well before the ICC mega event in England as he replaces the suspended K L Rahul in the limited overs squad for the New Zealand tour, beginning January 23. The Indian top-order is well settled at the moment but Gill can still get to play during the five ODIs and three T20s against the Black Caps.&nbsp;

"The call was unexpected but I understand the circumstances in which I have been picked. I have a pretty set target in mind. I have done well at all the levels I have played in so far and that has given me the belief that I can also excel in international cricket," said Gill, who is known to pace his innings brilliantly.

The last one year has been "amazing" for Gill but he attributes his India call-up to years of hard work.&nbsp;

"At this time last year we went for the World Cup and now I have got an India call-up. Yes, last one year has been great but I would see this as a result of work put in by me ever since I started playing the game."

Shaw and Gill already seem like polished products and Punjab opener puts it down to the exposure received during his maiden IPL stint with KKR.&nbsp;

"Definitely, I have gained maximum exposure from IPL and Ranji Trophy experience has also helped immensely. Though, it all started with the win in the U-19 World Cup where we experienced the media pressure for the first time.&nbsp;

"The atmosphere that is created during the U-19 World Cup does help you at higher levels," added Gill.

Considered the 'next big thing' in Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has broken into the national team sooner than he expected and says there can't be a better place to start his international career than New Zealand, where he was named player of U-19 World Cup, 12 months ago.

Considered the 'next big thing' in Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has broken into the national team sooner than he expected and says there can't be a better place to start his international career than New Zealand, where he was named player of U-19 World Cup, 12 months ago. The last one year has seen the 19-year-old opener take giant strides. The Mohali-based cricketer has followed his U-19 captain Prithvi Shaw to make the Indian team, albeit in the shorter formats, after a 'dream' 2018 when he bagged a lucrative IPL contract following a stellar World Cup and made 790 runs in 10 innings at 98.75 in Punjab's latest Ranji Trophy campaign. He was also part of the Rahul Dravid India A side that toured New Zealand last month. "It is a big advantage (to be picked for the New Zealand tour). I played well there in the U-19 World Cup and now again I have got the opportunity," Gill told PTI on Sunday after getting the news of his life, late last night. " As I have done well there, I can say that there isn't much adjustment needed in the technique. If I get an opportunity, I will have just need to handle the pressure that comes with playing for India. Mentally, it will be different for sure but I am ready." He is a supremely gifted and confident cricketer but the occasion got the better of him when he was informed about his selection. "It was late in the night. My heart started beating faster. The messages started pouring in and I rushed to tell my father. It was a special moment," said Gill. Gill knew his time would come, something he had expressed to PTI after a fruitful campaign in the Deodhar Trophy in October, shortly after Shaw's sensational Test debut. Even senior Punjab teammate Yuvraj Singh and his IPL captain Dinesh Karthik, who was amongst the first few to congratulate Gill, knew it was only a matter of time before he reaches the biggest stage and that would probably happen after the World Cup in May-July. But Gill has got the selectors' nod well before the ICC mega event in England as he replaces the suspended K L Rahul in the limited overs squad for the New Zealand tour, beginning January 23. The Indian top-order is well settled at the moment but Gill can still get to play during the five ODIs and three T20s against the Black Caps. "The call was unexpected but I understand the circumstances in which I have been picked. I have a pretty set target in mind. I have done well at all the levels I have played in so far and that has given me the belief that I can also excel in international cricket," said Gill, who is known to pace his innings brilliantly. The last one year has been "amazing" for Gill but he attributes his India call-up to years of hard work. "At this time last year we went for the World Cup and now I have got an India call-up. Yes, last one year has been great but I would see this as a result of work put in by me ever since I started playing the game." Shaw and Gill already seem like polished products and Punjab opener puts it down to the exposure received during his maiden IPL stint with KKR. "Definitely, I have gained maximum exposure from IPL and Ranji Trophy experience has also helped immensely. Though, it all started with the win in the U-19 World Cup where we experienced the media pressure for the first time. "The atmosphere that is created during the U-19 World Cup does help you at higher levels," added Gill.

No better place to make my India debut than New Zealand, says Shubman Gill

Virat Kohli&#39;s India beat New Zealand in a tense eight over a side clash to take a first T20 series against the Kiwis and strengthen their claim to be the world&#39;s best team.

Rain reduced the third match of the series in Thiruvananthapuram to a 48 ball lottery and Kohli&#39;s side were stronger in the boundary chase and smarter in the bowling battle.

While Manish Pandey hit 17 off 11 balls, Hardik Pandya made 14 and Kohli 13 in India&#39;s 67-5, the home side owe a particular debt to man-of-the-match bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the six run victory.

His two overs cost just nine runs while he claimed the key wickets of big-hitting Colin Munro and Henry Nicholls. Indian coach Ravi Shastri hailed Bumrah, who cannot get a Test place, as a &quot;thinking bowler&quot;.

Pandey and Kohli both hit a six and a four in quickfire innings that New Zealand just could not match as they reached 61-6.

Pandey went to a spectacular catch off Trent Boult that highlighted a night of brilliant fielding.

He fired the ball toward the long-on boundary producing a full length dive by Mitchell Santner who deflected the ball to stop it going over the line and set up the catch by Colin de Grandhomme.

New Zealand started aggressively. Munro hit his first ball for a six, but made only seven before he was caught in the second over trying to hit Bumrah.

Captain Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips went in successive balls in the fifth over leaving New Zealand facing a struggle to defend their number one place in 20 over cricket.

Though the result could have gone either way with just two balls remaining, New Zealand reached just 61-6 with de Grandhomme making an unbeaten 17.

&quot;You would be lying if you said you were not tense,&quot; said Shastri. &quot;They saved the best for the last in terms of fielding, the electricity was there.&quot;

Shastri said that while 67 was not an automatic match-winning score, the fielding and good start by the bowlers had put pressure on New Zealand.

India had never beaten New Zealand in a T20 match going into this series. New Zealand&#39;s defeat means Pakistan are the number one ranked 20 over nation again. New Zealand also lost a one day series in India but Williamson said they had still come out of the tour &quot;stronger&quot;.

&quot;It is a difficult place to play,&quot; said Williamson. &quot;They are possibly the best team in the world.&quot;&nbsp;

By many counts, India are the best team. They lead the Test rankings, while Kohli is top-rated batsman in one-day and T20 internationals. Bumrah is the number one bowler in T20.

The Indians have not lost a home series in any format since being beaten by South Africa in one day games in 2015.

&quot;We have won a few on the trot and it makes us very proud,&quot; said Kohli.

India must now prepare for a three Test series against Sri Lanka starting November 16 in Kolkata. 
&nbsp;

Virat Kohli's India beat New Zealand in a tense eight over a side clash to take a first T20 series against the Kiwis and strengthen their claim to be the world's best team

Virat Kohli's India beat New Zealand in a tense eight over a side clash to take a first T20 series against the Kiwis and strengthen their claim to be the world's best team. Rain reduced the third match of the series in Thiruvananthapuram to a 48 ball lottery and Kohli's side were stronger in the boundary chase and smarter in the bowling battle. While Manish Pandey hit 17 off 11 balls, Hardik Pandya made 14 and Kohli 13 in India's 67-5, the home side owe a particular debt to man-of-the-match bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the six run victory. His two overs cost just nine runs while he claimed the key wickets of big-hitting Colin Munro and Henry Nicholls. Indian coach Ravi Shastri hailed Bumrah, who cannot get a Test place, as a "thinking bowler". Pandey and Kohli both hit a six and a four in quickfire innings that New Zealand just could not match as they reached 61-6. Pandey went to a spectacular catch off Trent Boult that highlighted a night of brilliant fielding. He fired the ball toward the long-on boundary producing a full length dive by Mitchell Santner who deflected the ball to stop it going over the line and set up the catch by Colin de Grandhomme. New Zealand started aggressively. Munro hit his first ball for a six, but made only seven before he was caught in the second over trying to hit Bumrah. Captain Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips went in successive balls in the fifth over leaving New Zealand facing a struggle to defend their number one place in 20 over cricket. Though the result could have gone either way with just two balls remaining, New Zealand reached just 61-6 with de Grandhomme making an unbeaten 17. "You would be lying if you said you were not tense," said Shastri. "They saved the best for the last in terms of fielding, the electricity was there." Shastri said that while 67 was not an automatic match-winning score, the fielding and good start by the bowlers had put pressure on New Zealand. India had never beaten New Zealand in a T20 match going into this series. New Zealand's defeat means Pakistan are the number one ranked 20 over nation again. New Zealand also lost a one day series in India but Williamson said they had still come out of the tour "stronger". "It is a difficult place to play," said Williamson. "They are possibly the best team in the world." By many counts, India are the best team. They lead the Test rankings, while Kohli is top-rated batsman in one-day and T20 internationals. Bumrah is the number one bowler in T20. The Indians have not lost a home series in any format since being beaten by South Africa in one day games in 2015. "We have won a few on the trot and it makes us very proud," said Kohli. India must now prepare for a three Test series against Sri Lanka starting November 16 in Kolkata.

India claim first T20 series win over New Zealand

Team India skipper Virat Kohli on Sunday become the fastest cricketer to score 9000 runs in One Day Internationals in India&#39;s third ODI against New Zealand.

Virat Kohli, who reached the reached the milestone in a record 194 innings and his 202nd match, is the sixth Indian after Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin to achieve the feat.&nbsp;

The cricketer, who crossed the 9,000-run mark off 109-balls, also made his 32nd ODI hundred before losing his wicket to Tim Southee for 113.

Earlier in the series, with his 31st century, Virat Kohli broke the record set by Ricky Ponting in the list of most ODI hundreds.

Tendulkar tops the list with 49 hundreds&nbsp;and he is also the leading run-getter in the format with&nbsp;18,426 runs.

Virat Kohli, who reached the reached the milestone in a record 194 innings, is the sixth Indian after Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin to achieve the feat

Team India skipper Virat Kohli on Sunday become the fastest cricketer to score 9000 runs in One Day Internationals in India's third ODI against New Zealand. Virat Kohli, who reached the reached the milestone in a record 194 innings and his 202nd match, is the sixth Indian after Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin to achieve the feat. The cricketer, who crossed the 9,000-run mark off 109-balls, also made his 32nd ODI hundred before losing his wicket to Tim Southee for 113. Earlier in the series, with his 31st century, Virat Kohli broke the record set by Ricky Ponting in the list of most ODI hundreds. Tendulkar tops the list with 49 hundreds and he is also the leading run-getter in the format with 18,426 runs.

Virat Kohli breaks record for fastest 9000 runs in ODIs

India produced a professional performance under pressure to beat New Zealand by six wickets in a must-win game and level three-match series 1-1 here today.

Paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/45) led an inspired Indian bowling effort to restrict New Zealand to a modest 230 for nine. Later, Shikhar Dhwawan (68 off 84 balls) and Dinesh Karthik (64 not out off 92) struck timely half-centuries, enabling the hosts to complete the chase in 46 overs.

The series decider will be played in Kanpur on October 29.

There was a slight doubt whether the second ODI here will go ahead as planned after pitch curator Pandurang Salgaoncar was suspended for allegedly agreeing to tampering with the pitch in a TV sting operation.

However, the game began on time after ICC match referee Chris Broad inspected the pitch.

India, who had to bounce back following their shock loss in the series opener, proved their mettle with an all-round effort.

The chase was comfortable for India despite losing Rohit Sharma cheaply for the second time in the series.

Dhawan was back to his best and played shots all around the ground enroute to his 22 ODI fifty. His sublime innings comprised five fours and couple of sixes including the one he hit over midwicket.

The southpaw shared a 57-run stand Virat Kohli (29) before adding 66 runs with Karthik, who too played a valuable knock.

Karthik, playing at number four after coming in at five in the previous game, grabbed the opportunity with a ninth ODI fifty.

After Dhawan&#39;s departure, Karthik and Hardik Pandya (30) forged a 59-run stand to secure the game for their team.

Earlier, Kumar produced a fine swing bowling display while his pace colleague Jasprit Bumrah (2/38)) and young leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (2/36) picked up two wickets apiece as Indian bowlers came out determined after being asked to bowl.

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel (1/54) too justified the team management&#39;s decision to play him in place of Kuldeep Yadav, by removing the well settled Tom Latham (38).

The Indian bowlers had New Zealand under their mercy from the onset, picking up wickets at regular intervals to reduce the visitors to 58 for four inside 16 overs.

The hosts did not allow the New Zealand batsmen to settle down at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium.

New Zealand suffered a disastrous start as Kumar and Bumrah wreaked havoc by removing their first three batsmen inside the opening seven overs.

Kumar gave perfect start to India by removing the opening duo of Martin Guptill (11) and Colin Munro (10) quickly.

Bumrah then had skipper Kane Williamson (3) LBW, leaving the visitors tottering at 27 for three.

While Guptill nicked one to Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the stumps, Williamson was trapped in front of the wicket by Bumrah with New Zealand struggling at 25 for two.

The visitors reviewed Williamson&#39;s decision but that went in vain.

Munro, who hit a towering six during his brief stay, was the next to depart as Kumar went through his defence.

In-form Latham and Ross Taylor (21) too failed to repeat their last match&#39;s exploits when they conjured a 200-run stand in a winning cause.

Taylor, who struck two fours and looked in set for a big knock, was dismissed by Pandya in the 16th over as the right-handed batsman edged one to Dhoni while trying to hook a Pandya delivery.

Latham stuck just two fours, a cut and a pull, and partially tried to steer his side out of trouble with his trademark sweep and reverse-sweep shots.

But the southpaw&#39;s stay was cut short when he was bowled by Patel across the stumps while the batsman went for a sweep.

Henry Nicholas (42) and Colin De Grandhomme (41) then tried to resurrect the Kiwi innings by adding 47 runs for the sixth wicket before the partnership was broken by Kumar.

Chahal then took two consecutive wickets in the 44th over by dismissing Grandhomme and Adam Milne (0) to stand in chance for a hat-trick which didn&#39;t happen.

Towards the end, Mitchell Santner&#39;s 38-ball 29 and Tim Southee&#39;s unbeaten 25 helped New Zealand reach the 230-run mark. PTI

The three-match series is now level 1-1. The series decider will be played in Kanpur on October 29

India produced a professional performance under pressure to beat New Zealand by six wickets in a must-win game and level three-match series 1-1 here today. Paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/45) led an inspired Indian bowling effort to restrict New Zealand to a modest 230 for nine. Later, Shikhar Dhwawan (68 off 84 balls) and Dinesh Karthik (64 not out off 92) struck timely half-centuries, enabling the hosts to complete the chase in 46 overs. The series decider will be played in Kanpur on October 29. There was a slight doubt whether the second ODI here will go ahead as planned after pitch curator Pandurang Salgaoncar was suspended for allegedly agreeing to tampering with the pitch in a TV sting operation. However, the game began on time after ICC match referee Chris Broad inspected the pitch. India, who had to bounce back following their shock loss in the series opener, proved their mettle with an all-round effort. The chase was comfortable for India despite losing Rohit Sharma cheaply for the second time in the series. Dhawan was back to his best and played shots all around the ground enroute to his 22 ODI fifty. His sublime innings comprised five fours and couple of sixes including the one he hit over midwicket. The southpaw shared a 57-run stand Virat Kohli (29) before adding 66 runs with Karthik, who too played a valuable knock. Karthik, playing at number four after coming in at five in the previous game, grabbed the opportunity with a ninth ODI fifty. After Dhawan's departure, Karthik and Hardik Pandya (30) forged a 59-run stand to secure the game for their team. Earlier, Kumar produced a fine swing bowling display while his pace colleague Jasprit Bumrah (2/38)) and young leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (2/36) picked up two wickets apiece as Indian bowlers came out determined after being asked to bowl. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel (1/54) too justified the team management's decision to play him in place of Kuldeep Yadav, by removing the well settled Tom Latham (38). The Indian bowlers had New Zealand under their mercy from the onset, picking up wickets at regular intervals to reduce the visitors to 58 for four inside 16 overs. The hosts did not allow the New Zealand batsmen to settle down at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium. New Zealand suffered a disastrous start as Kumar and Bumrah wreaked havoc by removing their first three batsmen inside the opening seven overs. Kumar gave perfect start to India by removing the opening duo of Martin Guptill (11) and Colin Munro (10) quickly. Bumrah then had skipper Kane Williamson (3) LBW, leaving the visitors tottering at 27 for three. While Guptill nicked one to Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the stumps, Williamson was trapped in front of the wicket by Bumrah with New Zealand struggling at 25 for two. The visitors reviewed Williamson's decision but that went in vain. Munro, who hit a towering six during his brief stay, was the next to depart as Kumar went through his defence. In-form Latham and Ross Taylor (21) too failed to repeat their last match's exploits when they conjured a 200-run stand in a winning cause. Taylor, who struck two fours and looked in set for a big knock, was dismissed by Pandya in the 16th over as the right-handed batsman edged one to Dhoni while trying to hook a Pandya delivery. Latham stuck just two fours, a cut and a pull, and partially tried to steer his side out of trouble with his trademark sweep and reverse-sweep shots. But the southpaw's stay was cut short when he was bowled by Patel across the stumps while the batsman went for a sweep. Henry Nicholas (42) and Colin De Grandhomme (41) then tried to resurrect the Kiwi innings by adding 47 runs for the sixth wicket before the partnership was broken by Kumar. Chahal then took two consecutive wickets in the 44th over by dismissing Grandhomme and Adam Milne (0) to stand in chance for a hat-trick which didn't happen. Towards the end, Mitchell Santner's 38-ball 29 and Tim Southee's unbeaten 25 helped New Zealand reach the 230-run mark. PTI

2nd ODI: India beat New Zealand by 6 wickets, level series

Indian captain Virat Kohli hit&nbsp;the 31st ODI century of his career in his landmark 200th ODI match in 50-over international against New Zealand at Mumbai&#39;s Wankhede Stadium.

Beating the record of Australian player Ricky Ponting, Kohli now ranks second on the list.

Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 49 ODI centuries.&nbsp;

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Virat Kohli hits the 31st ODI century of his career <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922061260774039552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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With ODI century No. 31, Virat Kohli moves past Ricky Ponting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a>
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Virat Kohli, who&nbsp;is leading his team against New Zealand in the&nbsp;match, is&nbsp;the 13th player from the country to complete his double century appearances in ODIs.

Overall, he is the 72nd player to appear 200 times in a 50-over match.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Virat Kohli beat the record set by Australian player Ricky Ponting in his milestone 200th ODI

Indian captain Virat Kohli hit the 31st ODI century of his career in his landmark 200th ODI match in 50-over international against New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Beating the record of Australian player Ricky Ponting, Kohli now ranks second on the list. Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 49 ODI centuries. Virat Kohli hits the 31st ODI century of his career #INDvNZ — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × With ODI century No. 31, Virat Kohli moves past Ricky Ponting #INDvNZ — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × Virat Kohli, who is leading his team against New Zealand in the match, is the 13th player from the country to complete his double century appearances in ODIs. Overall, he is the 72nd player to appear 200 times in a 50-over match. #INDvNZ: Skipper Virat Kohli playing his 200th One Day International match in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/PV7iLGOTvl — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 ×

After Sachin, Virat Kohli now holds record for maximum ODI centuries

Ramukumar Ramanathan routed Finn Tearney with clinical precision as India took an unassailable 3-1 lead over New Zealand in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I first round tie here today.

A lanky Ramkumar cruised to a 7-5 6-1 6-0 win over the Kiwi opponent in exactly two hours in windy conditions at the Shiv Chatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi.

Ramkumar, who had won his singles rubber on day one against Jose Statham in straight sets in very impressive fashion, clinched a closely fought 51-minute first set.

Tearney&#39;s game went to pieces thereafter as his rival seized on the opportunities and ran away with the second and third sets with two and three breaks of serve each to propel India into the second round for a meeting with Uzbekistan from April 7-9.

Uzbekistan got past South Korea in another first round away tie.

India had taken a 2-0 lead on the first day when Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar clinched their singles rubbers against Tearney and Statham respectively.

New Zealand clinched the doubles rubber yesterday when Artem Sitak and Michael Venus got the better of Indian veteran Leander Paes and Vishnu Vardhan.

Ramkumar&#39;s victory in the first reverse singles to provide the hosts with an unassailable lead has rendered fifth rubber between Bhambri and Statham inconsequential.

The 22-year-old Chennai-born 276-ranked Ramkumar fired 12 aces but also committed nine double faults as compared to Tearney&#39;s 16.

The Kiwi player committed a staggering 10 double faults in the opening set, including three in the 12th game in which he was decisively broken by his Indian opponent.

The 6-foot-2-inch tall Indian youngster also had to dig himself out of the hole in two service games in which he faced break points. He saved three in the fifth game in which he committed the first of his two double-faults with the help of his strong first serve clocked at over 200 kmph.

Later he saved the fourth in the 11th game with his fifth ace to lead 6-5 before Tearney self-destructed when serving to be in the set for the second time by committing three double faults, including the last one when he was down 15-40, to hand over the set on a platter to the Indian.&nbsp;

(PTI)

India took a 3-1 lead over New Zealand in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I first round tie

Ramukumar Ramanathan routed Finn Tearney with clinical precision as India took an unassailable 3-1 lead over New Zealand in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I first round tie here today. A lanky Ramkumar cruised to a 7-5 6-1 6-0 win over the Kiwi opponent in exactly two hours in windy conditions at the Shiv Chatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi. Ramkumar, who had won his singles rubber on day one against Jose Statham in straight sets in very impressive fashion, clinched a closely fought 51-minute first set. Tearney's game went to pieces thereafter as his rival seized on the opportunities and ran away with the second and third sets with two and three breaks of serve each to propel India into the second round for a meeting with Uzbekistan from April 7-9. Uzbekistan got past South Korea in another first round away tie. India had taken a 2-0 lead on the first day when Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar clinched their singles rubbers against Tearney and Statham respectively. New Zealand clinched the doubles rubber yesterday when Artem Sitak and Michael Venus got the better of Indian veteran Leander Paes and Vishnu Vardhan. Ramkumar's victory in the first reverse singles to provide the hosts with an unassailable lead has rendered fifth rubber between Bhambri and Statham inconsequential. The 22-year-old Chennai-born 276-ranked Ramkumar fired 12 aces but also committed nine double faults as compared to Tearney's 16. The Kiwi player committed a staggering 10 double faults in the opening set, including three in the 12th game in which he was decisively broken by his Indian opponent. The 6-foot-2-inch tall Indian youngster also had to dig himself out of the hole in two service games in which he faced break points. He saved three in the fifth game in which he committed the first of his two double-faults with the help of his strong first serve clocked at over 200 kmph. Later he saved the fourth in the 11th game with his fifth ace to lead 6-5 before Tearney self-destructed when serving to be in the set for the second time by committing three double faults, including the last one when he was down 15-40, to hand over the set on a platter to the Indian. (PTI)

India win Davis Cup tie against New Zealand

India won by 190 runs against New Zealand in the final one-day international series 3-2 in India&#39;s southern Visakhapatnam on Saturday.&nbsp;

Indian leg spinner Amit Mishra was declared man of the match and player of the series, he claimed five wickets on Saturday and overall 15 wickets. New Zealand&#39;s innings lasted for 23.1 overs.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli clinched the deal with half-centuries leading to a 269.&nbsp;

According to Indian news agency, the Press Trust of India, Mishra helped maintain the win.&nbsp;

&quot;Mishra&#39;s beauty is he bowls slow, so as a keeper you have time to recover the ball to stump batsmen. And in tandem with Axar, who bowls flat and quick, it was very good,&quot; said Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said.&nbsp;

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi pulled back India from scoring a bigger point by taking two wickets each.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Amit Mishra was judged the man of the match and the player of the series

India won by 190 runs against New Zealand in the final one-day international series 3-2 in India's southern Visakhapatnam on Saturday. Indian leg spinner Amit Mishra was declared man of the match and player of the series, he claimed five wickets on Saturday and overall 15 wickets. New Zealand's innings lasted for 23.1 overs. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli clinched the deal with half-centuries leading to a 269. According to Indian news agency, the Press Trust of India, Mishra helped maintain the win. "Mishra's beauty is he bowls slow, so as a keeper you have time to recover the ball to stump batsmen. And in tandem with Axar, who bowls flat and quick, it was very good," said Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said. New Zealand pacer Trent Boult and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi pulled back India from scoring a bigger point by taking two wickets each. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Cricket: India wins ODI series against New Zealand

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed seven wickets to lead India&#39;s whitewash of New Zealand as the hosts romped to a 321-run victory on day four of the third and final Test on Tuesday.

Ashwin with career-best match figures of 13-140 helped India skittle out the visitors, who were chasing a daunting 475-run target, for 153 in under two sessions of play at Indore.

Ashwin, the highest wicket-taker in the three Tests with 27 scalps, was named both man of the match and player of the series.&nbsp;

India, who climbed to the top of the world Test rankings after their series-clinching win in Kolkata, remain in number one position ahead of Pakistan.

New Zealand, whitewashed in India for the second successive time after their 2-0 loss in 2012, suffered an early blow when Umesh Yadav trapped opener Tom Latham lbw for six.&nbsp;The visitors took tea on 38 for one but lost nine more wickets in the final session of play.

&quot;The bowlers have responded beautifully every time we&#39;ve been in pressure. Someone has always put up their hand,&quot; said Indian skipper Virat Kohli.&nbsp;&quot;And that&#39;s the difference: this team is up, we get wickets in bunches. We have that attitude and we do get the results.&quot;

Ashwin, who registered his 21st five-wicket haul in Tests, took charge in the evening session to remove skipper Kane Williamson for 27.&nbsp;It was the fourth time in a row that he had dismissed the Black Caps&#39; star batsman, who missed the second Test due to a viral infection.

Ross Taylor showed some aggressive intent with 32 off 25 balls including five fours and a six, but did not last long before he was bowled by another Ashwin turner.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja soon joined forces with Ashwin to dash New Zealnd&#39;s hopes of surviving the day after getting the all-important wickets of Martin Guptill and James Neesham.

Ashwin then disposed of the tail as the hosts celebrated their 3-0 series triumph.

&nbsp;

Pujara heroics

Earlier in the day, a century by Cheteshwar Pujara had put the hosts on course to set New Zealand a daunting victory target at India&#39;s newest Test venue, Indore&#39;s Holkar Stadium.&nbsp;

Pujara struck an unbeaten 101 as India, who started the day on 18 without loss, declared their second innings on 216 for three in the afternoon session.&nbsp;Pujara, who recorded his eight Test hundred, put on 76 for the second wicket with Gautam Gambhir (50).

&quot;If you see Pujara hitting a fast bowler back over his head, it is the best example of expressing yourself. This is a proper team series win. It wasn&#39;t just one individual,&quot; said Kohli.

India had already gained the upper hand after bowling out New Zealand for 299 in response to their massive first innings score of 557 for five declared.

Kohli&#39;s second Test double-century paved the way for India&#39;s dominance as he registered his career-best score of 211.&nbsp;The star batsman put on a record 365-run fourth-wicket partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (188) to keep the New Zealand bowlers on the field for close to six sessions.

&quot;We wanted to show better cricket than we did, but full credit to India. They outplayed us in all areas and we have to weather these wounds,&quot; said a disappointed Williamson.

(AFP)

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, named both man of the match and player of the series, claimed seven wickets to lead India's win

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed seven wickets to lead India's whitewash of New Zealand as the hosts romped to a 321-run victory on day four of the third and final Test on Tuesday. Ashwin with career-best match figures of 13-140 helped India skittle out the visitors, who were chasing a daunting 475-run target, for 153 in under two sessions of play at Indore. Ashwin, the highest wicket-taker in the three Tests with 27 scalps, was named both man of the match and player of the series. India, who climbed to the top of the world Test rankings after their series-clinching win in Kolkata, remain in number one position ahead of Pakistan. New Zealand, whitewashed in India for the second successive time after their 2-0 loss in 2012, suffered an early blow when Umesh Yadav trapped opener Tom Latham lbw for six. The visitors took tea on 38 for one but lost nine more wickets in the final session of play. "The bowlers have responded beautifully every time we've been in pressure. Someone has always put up their hand," said Indian skipper Virat Kohli. "And that's the difference: this team is up, we get wickets in bunches. We have that attitude and we do get the results." Ashwin, who registered his 21st five-wicket haul in Tests, took charge in the evening session to remove skipper Kane Williamson for 27. It was the fourth time in a row that he had dismissed the Black Caps' star batsman, who missed the second Test due to a viral infection. Ross Taylor showed some aggressive intent with 32 off 25 balls including five fours and a six, but did not last long before he was bowled by another Ashwin turner. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja soon joined forces with Ashwin to dash New Zealnd's hopes of surviving the day after getting the all-important wickets of Martin Guptill and James Neesham. Ashwin then disposed of the tail as the hosts celebrated their 3-0 series triumph. Pujara heroics Earlier in the day, a century by Cheteshwar Pujara had put the hosts on course to set New Zealand a daunting victory target at India's newest Test venue, Indore's Holkar Stadium. Pujara struck an unbeaten 101 as India, who started the day on 18 without loss, declared their second innings on 216 for three in the afternoon session. Pujara, who recorded his eight Test hundred, put on 76 for the second wicket with Gautam Gambhir (50). "If you see Pujara hitting a fast bowler back over his head, it is the best example of expressing yourself. This is a proper team series win. It wasn't just one individual," said Kohli. India had already gained the upper hand after bowling out New Zealand for 299 in response to their massive first innings score of 557 for five declared. Kohli's second Test double-century paved the way for India's dominance as he registered his career-best score of 211. The star batsman put on a record 365-run fourth-wicket partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (188) to keep the New Zealand bowlers on the field for close to six sessions. "We wanted to show better cricket than we did, but full credit to India. They outplayed us in all areas and we have to weather these wounds," said a disappointed Williamson. (AFP)

India thrashes New Zealand with 321-run victory, tops test rankings

India declared their first innings on 557 for five in the evening session of the second day&#39;s play of the third and final Test against New Zealand in Indore on Sunday.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli plundered New Zealand&#39;s bowlers again Sunday to record his second Test double-century as the hosts went to tea on 456 for three on day two of the third Test.

Kohli, on 207, and Ajinkya Rahane, on 161, stretched their fourth-wicket unbeaten partnership to 356 as the tourists suffered another wicketless session.

Kohli, who scored his maiden 200 against the West Indies in July, registered his career-best Test score Sunday to dominate the bowling attack.

The batsman, who resumed the day on 103, struck 19 boundaries during his epic knock to entertain the Sunday crowd at Indore&#39;s Holkar Stadium, which is hosting its maiden Test.

Kohli, 27, became the only Indian captain to score two double hundreds.

Overnight partner Rahane was also in blazing form as he posted his own career-best score after completing his eighth Test century.

Rahane had to face a barrage of bouncers in the morning session from the New Zealand quicks, with one of the short-pitched deliveries from Matt Henry hitting his helmet.

But the incident only seemed to strengthen Rahane&#39;s resolve as he batsman grew in confidence to increase his boundary count to 14 fours and four sixes so far. &nbsp;

Pace spearhead Trent Boult and spinners Mitchell Santner and Jeetan Patel share a wicket apiece so far.

The hosts, who started the day on 267 for three, rode on the 365-run fourth-wicket partnership between skipper Virat Kohli (211) and Ajinkya Rahane (188) to flatten the New Zealand bowling.

India, who took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, are looking to complete a whitewash against the tourists.

(AFP)

&nbsp;

Indian skipper Kohli plundered New Zealand's bowlers to record his second Test double-century on day two of Indore Test

India declared their first innings on 557 for five in the evening session of the second day's play of the third and final Test against New Zealand in Indore on Sunday. Indian skipper Virat Kohli plundered New Zealand's bowlers again Sunday to record his second Test double-century as the hosts went to tea on 456 for three on day two of the third Test. Kohli, on 207, and Ajinkya Rahane, on 161, stretched their fourth-wicket unbeaten partnership to 356 as the tourists suffered another wicketless session. Kohli, who scored his maiden 200 against the West Indies in July, registered his career-best Test score Sunday to dominate the bowling attack. The batsman, who resumed the day on 103, struck 19 boundaries during his epic knock to entertain the Sunday crowd at Indore's Holkar Stadium, which is hosting its maiden Test. Kohli, 27, became the only Indian captain to score two double hundreds. Overnight partner Rahane was also in blazing form as he posted his own career-best score after completing his eighth Test century. Rahane had to face a barrage of bouncers in the morning session from the New Zealand quicks, with one of the short-pitched deliveries from Matt Henry hitting his helmet. But the incident only seemed to strengthen Rahane's resolve as he batsman grew in confidence to increase his boundary count to 14 fours and four sixes so far. Pace spearhead Trent Boult and spinners Mitchell Santner and Jeetan Patel share a wicket apiece so far. The hosts, who started the day on 267 for three, rode on the 365-run fourth-wicket partnership between skipper Virat Kohli (211) and Ajinkya Rahane (188) to flatten the New Zealand bowling. India, who took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, are looking to complete a whitewash against the tourists. (AFP)

Virat Kohli's double ton steers India to 557/5 against New Zealand

Rohit Sharma&#39;s masterful 82 and a seventh-wicket stand of 103 runs with Wriddhiman Saha put India firmly in the driver&#39;s seat against New Zealand in the second test on Sunday after the hosts&#39; second innings had got off to a wobbly start.

At stumps on the third day, Saha (39 not out) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (eight) were at the crease for the hosts, who lead the three-match series 1-0 and will reclaim top spot in the test rankings from Pakistan with a win at Eden Gardens.

India reached 227 for eight in their second innings for an overall lead of 339, a tall chase already for the touring side on a deteriorating pitch.

Matt Henry and Trent Boult had seemingly resurrected New Zealand&#39;s hopes in the second session with some inspired fast bowling after India wrapped up the touring side&#39;s first innings for 204 in the morning for a handy lead.

Henry, who picked up three wickets in India&#39;s first innings, added another three to his tally, with Boult picking up two more as India were reduced to 106 for six.

India opener Murali Vijay (seven) fell to Henry in the first over after lunch, while the right-arm fast bowler returned in his next to claim the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara (four), India&#39;s top scorer in the first innings with 87.

Shikhar Dhawan (17), who survived a brutal opening spell before lunch from Boult when he was twice struck on his left hand, was out leg before to the left-arm paceman.

Fightback

Ajinkya Rahane (one) did not last long either, reducing India to 43-4, and it was left to captain Virat Kohli (45) and Rohit to rescue India with a fifth-wicket stand of 48.

Kohli looked in good touch before he was out leg before to a Boult delivery that stayed low and went under his bat.

Ravichandran Ashwin (five) was also out leg before to left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who later sent back Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja (six) in one over.

Ashwin&#39;s dismissal brought Rohit and Saha together and the duo then batted India into a commanding position.

Earlier, resuming on 128-7, New Zealand&#39;s Jeetan Patel (47) and BJ Watling (25) compiled a fighting eighth-wicket stand of 60 before the former fell trying to slog off-spinner Ashwin&#39;s first ball of the day.

Patel, who had played his last test in January 2013, hit nine fours in his run-a-ball innings and, with wicketkeeper-batsman Watling, kept India at bay for more than an hour in the first session while compiling his best score.

The 36-year-old was given out leg before against Jadeja on 47 but was reprieved after replays showed the left-arm spinner had overstepped.

With his maiden fifty one hit away, Patel, whose 47 was New Zealand&#39;s highest individual score in the innings, decided to go for a boundary on a flighted delivery from Ashwin but only managed a top edge that was caught by Mohammed Shami. 
 
(Reuters)

India reached 227 for eight in their second innings for an overall lead of 339, a tall chase for New Zealand

Rohit Sharma's masterful 82 and a seventh-wicket stand of 103 runs with Wriddhiman Saha put India firmly in the driver's seat against New Zealand in the second test on Sunday after the hosts' second innings had got off to a wobbly start. At stumps on the third day, Saha (39 not out) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (eight) were at the crease for the hosts, who lead the three-match series 1-0 and will reclaim top spot in the test rankings from Pakistan with a win at Eden Gardens. India reached 227 for eight in their second innings for an overall lead of 339, a tall chase already for the touring side on a deteriorating pitch. Matt Henry and Trent Boult had seemingly resurrected New Zealand's hopes in the second session with some inspired fast bowling after India wrapped up the touring side's first innings for 204 in the morning for a handy lead. Henry, who picked up three wickets in India's first innings, added another three to his tally, with Boult picking up two more as India were reduced to 106 for six. India opener Murali Vijay (seven) fell to Henry in the first over after lunch, while the right-arm fast bowler returned in his next to claim the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara (four), India's top scorer in the first innings with 87. Shikhar Dhawan (17), who survived a brutal opening spell before lunch from Boult when he was twice struck on his left hand, was out leg before to the left-arm paceman. Fightback Ajinkya Rahane (one) did not last long either, reducing India to 43-4, and it was left to captain Virat Kohli (45) and Rohit to rescue India with a fifth-wicket stand of 48. Kohli looked in good touch before he was out leg before to a Boult delivery that stayed low and went under his bat. Ravichandran Ashwin (five) was also out leg before to left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who later sent back Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja (six) in one over. Ashwin's dismissal brought Rohit and Saha together and the duo then batted India into a commanding position. Earlier, resuming on 128-7, New Zealand's Jeetan Patel (47) and BJ Watling (25) compiled a fighting eighth-wicket stand of 60 before the former fell trying to slog off-spinner Ashwin's first ball of the day. Patel, who had played his last test in January 2013, hit nine fours in his run-a-ball innings and, with wicketkeeper-batsman Watling, kept India at bay for more than an hour in the first session while compiling his best score. The 36-year-old was given out leg before against Jadeja on 47 but was reprieved after replays showed the left-arm spinner had overstepped. With his maiden fifty one hit away, Patel, whose 47 was New Zealand's highest individual score in the innings, decided to go for a boundary on a flighted delivery from Ashwin but only managed a top edge that was caught by Mohammed Shami. (Reuters)

India vs NZ, 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma sets up massive lead for India on day 3

New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner and paceman Trent Boult combined to lead a fightback and restrict India to 291 for nine on the opening day of the first test on Thursday. 
 
At 154 for one, India were set for a big first innings total but, after Santner grabbed three top and middle-order wickets, Boult (3-57) claimed three in nine deliveries with the second new ball to peg back the hosts at Kanpur`s Green Park Stadium. 
 
Unsurprisingly, New Zealand&#39;s three spinners bowled the bulk of the overs to share five wickets on a typical sub-continental track which had little to offer the pacemen. 
 
Ravindra Jadeja (16) and Umesh Yadav (eight) will return on Friday looking to take India, who went into the match with four bowlers to accommodate an extra batsman, past the 300-run mark. 
 
&quot;After losing the toss, I think we are reasonably positioned,&quot; Santner told reporters. 
 
&quot;We didn`t try anything different. We tried bowling in the good areas to build pressure and tried getting wickets. It didn`t spin early on but 291-9, not too bad.&quot; 
 
Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay gave the hosts a decent start after skipper Virat Kohli opted to bat in India&#39;s 500th test. 
 
Rahul&#39;s last four innings in all formats had yielded two centuries and a fifty and the right-hander, chosen ahead of Shikhar Dhawan, dominated his 42-run stand with fellow opener Vijay. 
 
The 24-year-old hit four boundaries, and a six off Mitchell Santner, before getting a faint edge to wicketkeeper BJ Watling in the left-arm spinner&#39;s second over. 
 
NO DISCOMFORT 
 
Cheteshwar Pujara (62) then joined forces with Vijay (65) to prop up the innings, the duo adding 112 runs for the second wicket and rarely looking in any discomfort. 
 
They brought up their individual fifties in successive overs before Santner had Pujara popping a simple return catch. 
 
After 11 overs of toiling on an unresponsive pitch, Neil Wagner struck a body blow when he banged it short and enticed Kohli (nine) to attempt a pull shot early in his innings, only for the right-hander to top-edge a catch to Ish Sodhi. 
 
India-born Sodhi dismissed Vijay just before tea with Watling holding on to another faint edge as New Zealand claimed three important wickets for 80 runs in the second session to halt India&#39;s progress. 
 
Batting at six, Rohit Sharma made a fluent 35 but has not fully shown that he can replicate his limited-overs success in the longest format. 
 
Ravichandran Ashwin made 40 but will be expected to make a greater impact with his off-spin bowling in conditions that should suit him. 
 
Vijay was confident a score in the region of 300 would be enough for his team. 
 
&quot;I think we are in a good position,&quot; the right-hander said. &quot;We have put the runs on the board. So all we`ve got to do now is go out there and put pressure on them while bowling. It`s a good total to play around with.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

India's Jadeja and Umesh Yadav will return on Friday hoping to cross the 300-run mark

New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner and paceman Trent Boult combined to lead a fightback and restrict India to 291 for nine on the opening day of the first test on Thursday. At 154 for one, India were set for a big first innings total but, after Santner grabbed three top and middle-order wickets, Boult (3-57) claimed three in nine deliveries with the second new ball to peg back the hosts at Kanpur`s Green Park Stadium. Unsurprisingly, New Zealand's three spinners bowled the bulk of the overs to share five wickets on a typical sub-continental track which had little to offer the pacemen. Ravindra Jadeja (16) and Umesh Yadav (eight) will return on Friday looking to take India, who went into the match with four bowlers to accommodate an extra batsman, past the 300-run mark. "After losing the toss, I think we are reasonably positioned," Santner told reporters. "We didn`t try anything different. We tried bowling in the good areas to build pressure and tried getting wickets. It didn`t spin early on but 291-9, not too bad." Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay gave the hosts a decent start after skipper Virat Kohli opted to bat in India's 500th test. Rahul's last four innings in all formats had yielded two centuries and a fifty and the right-hander, chosen ahead of Shikhar Dhawan, dominated his 42-run stand with fellow opener Vijay. The 24-year-old hit four boundaries, and a six off Mitchell Santner, before getting a faint edge to wicketkeeper BJ Watling in the left-arm spinner's second over. NO DISCOMFORT Cheteshwar Pujara (62) then joined forces with Vijay (65) to prop up the innings, the duo adding 112 runs for the second wicket and rarely looking in any discomfort. They brought up their individual fifties in successive overs before Santner had Pujara popping a simple return catch. After 11 overs of toiling on an unresponsive pitch, Neil Wagner struck a body blow when he banged it short and enticed Kohli (nine) to attempt a pull shot early in his innings, only for the right-hander to top-edge a catch to Ish Sodhi. India-born Sodhi dismissed Vijay just before tea with Watling holding on to another faint edge as New Zealand claimed three important wickets for 80 runs in the second session to halt India's progress. Batting at six, Rohit Sharma made a fluent 35 but has not fully shown that he can replicate his limited-overs success in the longest format. Ravichandran Ashwin made 40 but will be expected to make a greater impact with his off-spin bowling in conditions that should suit him. Vijay was confident a score in the region of 300 would be enough for his team. "I think we are in a good position," the right-hander said. "We have put the runs on the board. So all we`ve got to do now is go out there and put pressure on them while bowling. It`s a good total to play around with." (AFP)

Cricket: New Zealand restricts India to 291 on opening day of first test