Tim Southee has dismissed Virat Kohli the most number of times in international cricket and the New Zealand pacer credited helpful conditions for the feat he “didn’t know” about.

Including Saturday’s ODI in Auckland, Southee has now dismissed Kohli nine times across formats.

“He (Virat) is obviously a class player and doesn’t have many weaknesses. I think the wicket had a little bit of assistance with the new ball and if you put it in the right areas, there was enough there to ask a few questions.

“It is about assistance and the pitch conditions,” Southee said on the eve of the third and final ODI here. “It is your job to take wickets... And Virat is a great player and he has been in great form.

“Especially in run chases, he is exceptional, so I guess it’s always nice to see the back of him. I didn’t know that was the most,” Southee added.

Southee said his side’s 2-0 lead over India in the current three-match contest shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone as the Black Caps, consecutive ODI World Cup finalists, have been playing well in this format for a while now.

“... They have been two great games of cricket and the ODI side has played some good cricket for a while even though we have been missing some important guys,” he said referring to injuries to key players such as regular skipper Kane Williamson.

“The guys have played great ODI cricket for a while now, although it was our first time since the World Cup. But the group has played well for a long time.”

Southee played with a stomach bug in the second ODI, but led the bowling attack bravely. He bowled Kohli with a sharp inswinger. The pacer seems to have recovered from his illness, while New Zealand have been further bolstered by Williamson’s return from injury.

Despite missing vital stars like Williamson, Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, the hosts etched out a 2-0 lead. Southee said it was a good sign of the pace wares as well as a domestic structure that threw up Man of the Match debutant Kyle Jamieson in the time of need.