DAMBULLA: A run-a-ball record fourth wicket partnership of 190 by captain Ross Taylor and Scott Styris guided New Zealand to a thumping 200 run victory over India in the opening match of the one-day tri-series on Tuesday.
India was bundled out for 88, their lowest one-day total against New Zealand, in the 30th over after the Kiwis had run up 288 all out.
New Zealand recovered brilliantly from a poor start when they were reduced to 28-3 in the seventh over to post a competitive score for India to chase under lights.
Taylor inspired his team with an excellent knock of 95 off 113 balls which comprised eight fours and a six.
Styris smacked nine fours and a six in his swashbuckling 95-ball innings before falling 11 runs short of notching up a century.
The Indian batsmen failed to handle the bounce and fell easy victims to New Zealand`s disciplined attack which was consistent in length and line.
The second match of the tournament is between host Sri Lanka and New Zealand on Aug 13.
BDST: 2000HRS, August 10, 2010