India cricket
India put in an all-round game to defeat New Zealand in the 500th Test.Reuters

India have scripted a wonderful win in the first Test against New Zealand, winning the match by 197 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin was the standout performer for India in the historic 500th Test match for India, picking up 10 wickets at Green Park in Kanpur.

India looked a quality side in all departments of the game throughout the Test match, and came into the final day with their tails up. India were required to take six wickets on Day 5 to give the home side an important 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series.

With Ashwin in an ominous form, one thought that the spinner will not take much time to give India the victory, but it was not to be as night watchman Micthell Santner and Luke Ronchi dug deep to hang around at the crease.

But, Ravindra Jadeja broke the all-important wicket of Ronchi, who played a brilliant innings of 80 runs. After which, Mohammad Shami showed his skills with the old ball, especially his reverse-swing, which got India closer to victory. The pacer took two quick wickets of BJ watling and Mark Craig.

Despite New Zealand batsmen not able to cope with Shami's reverse swing, Santner's defence was intact, and he put up a brave fight against the India bowlers, who were giving their all to dismiss the left-hander.

When Santner was looking comfortable at the crease, Aswhin produced a classical delivery, which opened up the New Zealander, and was caught at silly point. The left-hander should be applauded for his well-made 71 runs, and especially the way he played the Indian bowlers. 

Ashwin, after dismissing Santner, did not take much time in cleaning the tail, and helped India emerged victorious in the second session of the final day in Kanpur. India have taken 1-0 lead, and Kohli's men will be hope to seal the series at Eden Gardens, which is set to host the second Test match, starting Friday.

Twitter reactions after India's win