Cricket: Southee 50 not enough for Black Caps

Tim Southee was a shining light for the Black Caps in their six-wicket loss to India at Dharamsala, hitting 55 off 45 balls. Photo/Photosport.nz

Despite the best efforts of Tom Latham and Northland's Tim Southee, New Zealand crashed to a six-wicket defeat in the first One-day International against India at Dharamsala.

Southee, playing in his 100th ODI, came in when New Zealand were teetering at 105-8 but provided an innings of maturity to help them through to 190 all out.

Southee is the first Northlander to reach 100 ODI appearances, and the 22nd New Zealander.

Kane Williamson lost the toss once again, New Zealand's fourth in four matches in India, and was sent in on a decent deck that wasn't expected to cause too many issues.

But the Black Caps seemed to have missed that memo, struggling from the outset and becoming victims to soft dismissals.

Debutant opening bowler Hardick Pandya (3 for 31) removed Martin Guptill for 12 in an eventful second over.

After going for 13 runs through a mix of edges and good shots, Pandya got his first ODI wicket with a beauty, forcing the edge once again from Guptill.

Williamson (3) was the next to go, picking out Amit Mishra at deep third man off the bowling of Umesh Yadav (2 for 31).

Yadav struck in his next over with a gem, removing Ross Taylor for a golden duck.

After Corey Anderson (4) and Luke Ronchi (0) fell carelessly to Pandya, the Black Caps' innings was on the verge of a record low at 48 for 5.

And when part-time off spinner Kedar Jadhav removed Jimmy Neesham (15) and Mitchell Santner in consecutive balls, New Zealand were 65-7.

Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson will have a lot of thinking to do after their loss to India. Photo/Photosport.nz

Luckily for them, Latham continued his strong form from the test series as he nonchalantly churned out runs.

His ability to sweep efficiently and see off good bowling was a real highlight and showed that with application, it was a good pitch to bat on.

Doug Bracewell joined Latham at the crease and showed some tenacity on defence. The duo combined for a much needed 41-run partnership.

But as soon as he looked comfortable, leg-spinner Amit Mishra (3 for 49) dismissed Bracewell.

This brought Southee to the crease.

After being dropped on two by Yadav, Southee put the foot down and showed sound shot selection when going for the big shot.

Hitting six fours and a trio of sixes, Southee brought up his 50 off just 40 deliveries.

This was the first ODI half-century scored by a New Zealand number 10. Southee fell five balls later for 55, ending a 71-run partnership.

Meanwhile, Latham quietly went about his work. He ended on a well-compiled unbeaten 79 off 98 balls, becoming the first New Zealander - and tenth in ODI history - to carry his bat through the innings.

The Black Caps then struggled with the ball as Virat Kohli steered India to a comfortable six-wicket win with an 81-ball 85, featuring nine fours and a six.

Bracewell, Neesham and Ish Sodhi took a wicket each, while Guptill came through with his almost customary run out.

But it wasn't nearly enough to defend a sub-par total on a good pitch as India reached the target with more than 16 overs remaining.

Of particular concern to the coaching staff will be the form of incumbents Taylor and Ronchi.

Taylor hasn't hit a half-century since their tour of Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, Ronchi's sixth career ODI duck sees his struggles with the bat continue in the 50-over game.

Since scoring 170 not out against Sri Lanka last year, the Black Caps wicketkeeper has averaged just 12.79 with the bat in 26 innings, 16 of which he has failed to reach double figures.

New Zealand now have until Thursday to regroup, with the second ODI in the five-match series to be played at Delhi.