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Kohli revels in 'memorable' Test win India New Zealand

India produced a solid all-round display to secure a 1-0 lead in their Test series with New Zealand, said Virat Kohli.

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Virat Kohli highlighted India's lower-order batting as crucial after they wrapped up a 197-run victory in the opening Test with New Zealand in Kanpur on Monday.

Ravindra Jadeja's 42 not out helped India establish a first-innings lead before the spinner made an unbeaten 50 in the second dig to take the game away from Kane Williamson's side.

Ravichandran Ashwin also made a handy 40 in the first innings, but it was the off-spinner's bowling that came to the fore on day five as he claimed three of the six remaining New Zealand wickets to end the match with 10-for.

The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, and ensured their 500th Test ended in victory.

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"It has been a memorable Test match," Kohli said.

"It has been very good right from the second day onwards when New Zealand were batting really well and me and Ashwin were chatting that it is going to be an exciting Test and we have to play our best to keep them under pressure.

"The boys have applied themselves really well. There were a few moments we were in a spot of bother. Initially we had momentum with us when we were batting but then couple of soft dismissals and we were at the back foot.

"But Jadeja and Ashwin batted really well in the first innings. Umesh [Yadav] also contributed and those 30-40 runs make a psychological difference."

Kohli also had positive words for the Black Caps, particularly the way they dealt with the turning Green Park wicket as Ashwin found his groove.

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"They [New Zealand] showed good resilience and resistance and that is something you want to see from opposition," he added.

"I think credit goes to New Zealand as well, the reason that match went on to the second session on day five because of the character and guts that they showed. I am sure the series will get more competitive as we go on."

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