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But Kohli himself showed fine leadership qualities, hitting a crucial 43 in the middle overs having impressed with the ball earlier in the day, taking 2-27 with his niggling brand of right-arm medium pace.Shortly after the India innings had begun the lightning bolted, thunder crashed and the heavens opened as the sun set on the KL skyline. But the hard-working groundstaff at Kinrara Oval did a great job and, along with the state-of-the-art drainage system in place at the ground, the deluge had hardly any effect and once the rain stopped play resumed within 20 minutes.

With the India innings reduced to 43 overs, the target was revised down to 191 and New Zealand began well taking the wickets of Taruwar Kohli and Tanmay Srivastava (to a stunning one-handed catch by Anderson) with just 40 on the board. But the skipper and Shreevats Goswami built a strong partnership worth 84 and seemed to have the game wrapped up.Khan’s stunning performance marked a memorable first day for the Indian contingent as Jeev Milkha Singh, the Asian Tour’s number one in 2006, ended the day in a share of third place alongside compatriot Rahil Gangjee and nine other players following a 68 while US-based Arjun Atwal, Shiv Kapur and Arjun Singh were a further stroke back.Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Liang Wen-chong of China also enjoyed a solid start when he overcame a double bogey for a 69.

The marquee names at the Johnnie Walker Classic endured mixed days. World number five Adam Scott of Australia battled into the mix with a 68 and could have led on his own if not for a double bogey on his 16th hole when he sprayed his tee shot into the water.Three-time Major champion Vijay Singh of Fiji carded a 70 but Europe’s Ryder Cup stars Colin Montgomerie of Scotland and England’s Ian Poulter struggled with a 74 and 76 respectively.