A sparkling 221-run record stand between Tom Latham and Kane Williamson has led the Black Caps to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over India in the first ODI at Eden Park.
The pair's match-winning partnership was a record on the Auckland ground in one day cricket, beating the 195-run stand set by Indian pair MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina in 2015.
Williamson wrapped up the chase at the start of the 48th over with a dab through third man for four to finish 94 not out off 98 balls. Latham struck his highest ODI score of 145 not out, coming off just 104 balls.
The run chase had been in dire straits when the pair came together at the crease. At 88 for three and needing more than seven an over for the remaining 30 overs, it was an uphill battle.
But Latham and Williamson quickly took advantage of the short Eden Park boundaries and kept the target of 307 within reach.
The turning point came in the 40th over when Latham took apart a tiring Shardul Thakur, smashing the Indian pacer for 25 off the over, including four fours and a six, and bringing up his seventh ODI ton off the final delivery.
That left New Zealand needing just 66 off the last 10 overs, a target that proved to be a simple one, with the pair cruising home with 17 balls to spare.
Player of the match Latham described it as "just one of those days when everything comes off".
"It's a small ground, so you can capitalise in the end. Had a nice partnership with Kane, who played beautifully."
Earlier in the afternoon, India got off to a strong start with the bat, with openers Shikhar Dhawan (72) and Shubman Gill (52) combining for 124 for the first wicket, before Gill was caught at deep square leg off Lockie Ferguson.
The Kiwi speedster picked up two more wickets and was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, finishing with 3 for 59 from his 10 overs.
Shreyas Iyer top scored with 80, while a late quickfire cameo by Washington Sundar (37 not out off 16 balls) helped India set a commanding total of 306.
Tim Southee also picked up three wickets, reaching the milestone of 200 ODI wickets in the process. He is the fifth New Zealander to reach the milestone, after Daniel Vettori, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris and Kyle Mills.
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