‘They can knock any opposition over’ – Kohli hails India’s bowling unit

India cruised to an eight-wicket victory to go 1-0 up in the first of five ODIs, which featured the rare occurrence of sunshine stopped play. The players had to leave the field after the setting sun was shining in the batsman's eyes when the tourists were 44/1 in pursuit of 158.

The players returned after a 30-minute break, with the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method trimming two runs and one over off India’s target, which was reached in the 35th over, with Shikhar Dhawan undefeated on 75.

“It was one of our more balanced performances,” said Kohli after the game, who yesterday swept three trophies in the ICC Awards. “The way the guys bowled and created pressure, it changed everything.”

After Mohammad Shami claimed 3/19, including two early scalps to dismiss Kiwi openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro, Kohli insisted “this is the fittest I've seen Shami ever”.

The fast bowler, who became the fastest Indian to claim 100 wickets in ODIs, was in buoyant mood after the game, and is hopeful that his injury problems are behind him. “The way we have performed has all been teamwork,” said Shami. “The main thing is that whatever we plan we execute – we have a plan A, and if that doesn't work we go to plan B.

“The injury changed things a bit. I was in rehab and injury management for 18 months. The skipper, management and team backed me.”

Kohli also praised his deadly spin duo Kuldeep Yadav (4-39) and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/43), who found plenty of reward in the middle overs, as well as the “dangerous” Dhawan: “The lines and lengths that Kuldeep and Chahal bowled were very difficult to get away. Dhawan is a dangerous player, and once he's in the right headspace he'll get in flow again.”

New Zealand’s innings never got going, with Kane Williamson (64) the only Kiwi batsman to make a significant contribution. “I think 250 would have been a par score,” said the New Zealand captain. “It was a lack of adjusting to the surface – we required a lot more graft. Their bowling attack did beautifully.”

The second ODI takes place on Saturday, January 26 in Tauranga. The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced after the game that Kohli will be rested for the fourth and fifth ODI, as well as the T20I series against New Zealand.