Cairns, 28, treated the Jade Stadium crowd and a television audience of millions yesterday to an exhilarating exhibition of stroke-play.
He scored the fastest century by a New Zealand cricketer at limited-over international level and the fifth-quickest in the world when he reached the magical milestone in just 75 balls. Included in that were six sixes and five fours.
Cairns eventually fell for 115 from 80 balls as he propelled the Black Caps to their second-highest 50-over tally in New Zealand, 300 for eight against India. It proved a match-winner as India fell 70 runs short of the target.
Relishing a reprieve on 51 when a confident caught-behind appeal was denied, Cairns went from compiling a relatively sedate half-century in 52 balls into overdrive. His next 50 came in a whirlwind 23 balls.
Cairns had scored the previous fastest 100 by a New Zealander, from 87 balls, also against India, in 1995-96.
Members of Christchurch's Indian community turned out in force to cheer on the visiting team.
Among the most visible Indian fans were Neetu Patel, Nimisha Rama, Jyoti Budhia, and Jayshri Ganda (all 18).
The group had been hired by Indian whisky-maker McDowell to wave brightly coloured pom poms, dance, and cheer on the Indians at every opportunity.
All the young women were born in New Zealand and said they would support the Black Caps against any team except India. Miss Patel, who plays cricket for the Woolston-Lancaster club, said she was a big fan of the Indian team, especially the high-scoring Rahul Dravid.
An Indian fan who was prepared to face the constant taunting from New Zealanders was Mukesh Sharma, who suffered the added handicap of an English accent.
Branded a ``Pommy'' and a ``Nargy'' by nearby spectators and under a constant barrage of litter, cigarette butts, and beer cans, he resorted to standing up, cheering loudly, and laughing at the other fans with every Indian success on the field.
Mr Sharma, who is in New Zealand on a working holiday from Leicester, England, rated the atmosphere better than at English cricket matches. His only complaint was the price of the beer.