Kanpur : A six-wicket blast by R. Ashwin lifts India to an splendid win in its 500th test on Monday, giving the host a 1-0 lead in the three test series against Kiwis.

New Zealand had six wickets in hand when they began on the last day of the test, requiring 341 runs to get it done.

After reducing the Kiwis to 205-7 at lunch, India claimed the three remaining wickets to clinch the opening Test on the fifth day here.

Paceman Mohammed Shami struck twice after Luke Ronchi gifted away his wicket as India closed in on a huge win in the opening cricket Test by reducing New Zealand to 205 for seven at lunch on the fifth day, on Monday.

Overnight Kiwi batsmen Ronchi (80) and Mitchell Santner (56 batting) frustrated the Indian bowlers for about 20 overs, adding 65 runs to their overnight total of 93-4 before India struck thrice to position themselves for a massive win in their 500th cricket Test.

It was Ronchi, who handed India the opening when he went for a sweep slog against Jadeja and handed a top-edge to Aswhin.

The mistake ended his 102-run stand with Santner, who scored his maiden Test fifty.

New Zealand have now three wickets in hand, still requiring 229 runs, and they have two full sessions to negotiate to save the Test.