A defiant ninth-wicket partnership between Brendon McCullum (84) and Iain O'Brien delayed the inevitable as their 76-run stand pushed the hosts to 279, but needing just just 39 for victory. Gautam Gambhir (30 not out) and Rahul Dravid (eight not out) then swiftly wrapped up the win in 5.2 overs.
It marked the first victory for India's in the country for 33 years and means they lead the three-match series 1-0.
But the day undoubtedly belonged to Tendulkar. His 260-ball innings included 26 boundaries and lasted over six hours and was largely responsible for the demanding total posted by the Indians.
