India's captain Virat Kohli walking from the field with teammate Shikhar Dhawan after the sun angle halted play during the first ODI match against New Zealand at McLean Park in Napier on Thursday — AFP NAPIER, New Zealand, Jan 23 (AFP): A match billed as a runfest was turned upside-down by India's spin twins Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal on Wednesday, as New Zealand were crushed by eight wickets in the first one-day international in Napier.
Yadav and Chahal delivered a spin bowling masterclass, mesmerising New Zealand with six wickets between them, while Mohammed Shami claimed three as New Zealand folded for a mere 157 with 12 overs to spare.
The target was reduced by two runs and one over for India following a 30-minute break when the setting sun blinded the eyes of players and umpires.
But the interruption made no difference to Shikhar Dhawan, who was unbeaten on 75 after leading India to mow down the target in 34.5 overs.
Coming off a series win against Australia, India showed they are building nicely as a well-balanced unit four months out from the World Cup, while for New Zealand there is work to be done.
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