The Blackcaps have bolted to an emphatic four-wicket win over India in the first one-day international in Hamilton on Wednesday.
Faced with a daunting target of 348, a brilliant unbeaten 108 from Ross Taylor highlighted a clinical and composed run chase from the hosts to snap their losing streak in the most convincing fashion.
After Henry Nicholls got the chase off to an ideal start with a hasty 78, Taylor combined with Tom Latham to put on a 138-run partnership to anchor the NZ innings, as they got over the line with 11 balls to spare.
Earlier, the Indians were clinical with the bat to start the contest, where Shreyas Iyer's superb 103 was the guiding light.
Partnerships were the key for the visitors as they steadily amassed their runs, with Kohli and Iyer putting on 102 for the third wicket, then Iyer combining with Rahul for 136 for the fourth to set India on the path to a hefty total.
But despite missing regular captain Kane Williamson and a host of frontline bowlers, the Blackcaps looked likely from the outset and ultimately cruised home.
The second ODI takes place at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday, where the Blackcaps will have a chance to wrap up the three-game series.
