Starting off from where they left after their historic tour of Australia, Indian team began New Zealand campaign with an impressive eight wickets victory in the first ODI being played in McLean Park, Napier. India scored 156/2 in 34.5 overs and won the match by DLS method.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bat first but couldn't really capitalise on that decision, as the Kiwis were bundled out for paltry 157 runs in 38 overs in the first ODI of the five-match series. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav and fast-bowler Mohammed Shami ripped through the Kiwi batting lineup and finished with 4 and 3 wickets respectively.

Captain Kane Williamson top-scored with 64 runs but didn't find many partners in the middle to stitch an effective partnership against the lethal Indian bowling attack. This tour is crucial for India to find the perfect middle-order balance ahead of the World Cup. But, it wouldn't be easy as the Kiwis enjoy impressive figures against India in their own backyard with 35-10 win-loss record in ODIs, including 4-0 whitewash against the 'men in blue' in 2014. This tour also provides an opportunity for world's best batsman and India's captain Virat Kohli to further better his team's overseas record.

Brief scores - India (156/2) beat New Zealand (157) by 8 wickets (via DLS) to take 1-0 lead in 5-match series. Dhawan (75*), Kohli (45)