India posted an imposing 179-5 against New Zealand in the third T2OI of the 5-match series being played at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. Indians got off to a real flier with opener Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul going hammers and tongs in the power-play.

Sharma was particularly severe on Hamish Bennett as he tonked the seamer for 27 runs in an over. Medium pacer Grandhomme drew first blood for the Kiwis dismissing in-form opener KL Rahul for 27.

Rohit continued his fireworks and got to his 50 in no time. India's ploy of promoting Shivam Dube up the order failed as Hamish Bennett dismissed him cheaply. Virat Kohli then combined well for brief partnerships with Shyres Iyer and Manish Pandey to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Manish Pandey and Ravindra Jadeja provided the late flourish to help the visitors get to a challenging 179-run total.

Rohit Sharma top scored for India with a fiery 65 and KL Rahul and Virat Kohli chipped in with handy knocks.