Entering the five-match rubber following maiden Test and ODI series triumphs in Australia, India signalled their intent with a clinical display, which saw them chase down a revised target of 156 by eights wickets in 34.5 overs.
On a near-perfect day, the only thing that didn't go their way was the toss. But India made light of that by bowling out the home team for a paltry 157 in 38 overs.
Dhawan became the second fastest Indian after skipper Virat Kohli to reach the landmark, a feat which was achieved in the 1st ODI against New Zealand.
Play was interrupted when the sun made it difficult for the batsmen to spot the ball, leading to an interruption that has never been seen in international cricket before.
On a near-perfect day, the only thing that didn't go their way was the toss. But India made light of that by bowling out the home team for a paltry 157 in 38 overs.
India's recent overseas performance against South Africa and Australia in ODIs give them the upper hand against Black Caps under Virat Kohli's leadership.
India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI live from McLean Park, Napier Stadium, Watch IND vs NZ live streaming online on Hotstar and watch TV coverage on Star Sports Network. Also get live cricket score and updates at IndiaTV Sports.
Williamson felt that the passion with which Kohli approaches his cricket has made him a crowd puller around the world.
Kohli, in a very subtle yet strong manner, put across his point about Hardik's absence from the side.
Kohli has been on the receiving end of the Australian fans in the Test series Down Under recently, prompting even one of their own legends, Ricky Ponting, to express his disappointment.
The Indian team, which has shifted its focus entirely on World Cup preparations, is still searching for the right middle-order combination despite their first-ever bilateral ODI series win on Australian soil.
Kohli can take some tips from his former skipper and teammate Mahendra Singh Dhoni who is the only Indian captain to win an ODI series on New Zealand's soil.
Virat Kohli is currently the No.1 ODI batsman while Kane Williamson is currently 11th in the rankings for batsmen.
Top News
