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The visitors rode in notable contributions from Gautam Gambhir (72), Rahul Dravid (66) and Sachin Tendulkar (unbeaten 70) to reach a comfortable 278 for four at the end of second day's play, trailing by just one run.
It was not a flamboyant approach but a steady and watchful display by the formidable Indian batsmen, who were quite content in curbing their natural stroke-play.
Tendulkar held the innings together and Yuvraj Singh (8) was giving him company at stumps on an absorbing day's play at Seddon Park.
Tendulkar's 135-ball innings, embellished with 11 fours, was flawless except for a mistimed pull shot off rival skipper Daniel Vettori which could have cut short his strides at individual score of 13.
Daniel Flynn could not hold on to the tough chance as he ran backwards from short mid-wicket but the bowl touched his finger tips before landing on the ground.
Resuming at 29 for no loss, India lost dashing Virender Sehwag in the morning session but Gambhir and Dravid ensured there was no further setbacks with a 105-run partnership.
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waiting for tendulkar to complete his century and india winning this game
India would have been in a much better position if they had got NZ bundled out for a measly 150 (they were 60 for 6 at one stage). But it's good to see the team playing a cautious innings, not seen nothing like this before, which shows they are hungry for a win. After all, it's been about 33 years!
india could have done even better if sehwag would stay there for 30 overs atleast.
I think if Sehwag could have batted for lunch only... he could easily had got his century. I really feel sorry for him... as he has lost a Golden Opportunity to strike another big innings. He is looking very solid and composed in NZ series..... Touch wood
Nice to see Dravid amongst runs