India's World Twenty20 opening-day party was ruined by a spirited New Zealand team, who bowled the hosts out for 79 in 18.1 overs in response to being restricted to 126/7 on Tuesday. The 47-run win for the Kiwis on a turning surface in Nagpur would serve as a good wake-up call for the hosts, who were firm favourites going into the tournament. MS Dhoni's men could well be on their way out if they lose to arch-rivals Pakistan in Kolkata on Saturday.

New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat on a dry track that promised plenty of turn. The Kiwis started well, hitting two sixes in the very first over, but also lost a wicket. India's bowlers, especially the spinners – R Ashwin (1/32), Ravindra Jadeja (1/26) and Suresh Raina (1/16) – were disciplined as they took wickets at regular intervals and made good use of the conditions. In the end, the Black Caps could only manage 126/7, with only Corey Anderson coming out with some credit, scoring a hard-fought 34 off 42 balls.

What then looked like a stroll of a chase turned out to be an impossible obstacle course for the hosts. India were outplayed at their own game by New Zealand's unheralded spinners. When skipper Kane Williamson dropped experienced pacers such as Trent Boult and Tim Southee, not many would have considered it a wise call. However, the inexperienced spin duo of Mitchell Santner (4/11) and Ish Sodhi (3/18) stumped the mighty Indians. To the horror of the 45,000 fans present at the stadium and millions watching from home, India were bowled out for a paltry 79, with skipper MS Dhoni top-scoring with 30.