India 145-4 (29 ovs) vs NZ | Scorecard

Munro drops it short as Karthik pulls it square on the leg side for a four to take his score to 31, an important knock for the veteran right-hander in terms of his career.

In the next over, Karthik flicks Milne square on the leg side for a couple and then does the same next ball for two more runs before the pacer bowls a wide.

The singles are coming quite regularly for the Indians as both Kohli and Karthik seem to have got the measure of the wicket and also the not-so effective Kiwi bowling in the middle overs.

With the partnership building, Williamson brings back the experienced Southee with a view to make a breakthrough. And the fast bowler delivers as Karthik looks to pull a short ball but gets a top edge and is caught on the square leg fence.

A disappointing shot by Karthik as he walks back for a brisk 37 when he looked good for much more.

With Dhoni out in the middle and only Hardik Pandya left as the last recognised batsman, India certainly need this partnership to last as long as possible.