The New Zealand women's cricket side will have to improve significantly if they are to claim the upcoming World Cup after they were easily beaten by hosts India in a warmup match in Mumbai overnight (NZT).
The White Ferns looked set for a good total when 160 for 4 after 36 overs but collapsed to be all out for 201 in 47.5. The hosts cruised to victory for the loss of just two wickets and with more than six overs remaining.
New Zealand headed to India full of confidence and expectations after they toppled Australia 2-1 in a Twenty20 series in Melbourne last week - this country's first win in Australia for 26 years - and will hope they can find some of that form against defending champions England in their final warmup match tonight.
They play their first Group B match against South Africa on February 1 and will need to win two of three of their pool games against South Africa, Pakistan and Australia to advance to the Super Six stages.
New Zealand made a jittery start, battling to 44 for three after 11 overs, but Frances Mackay (69 from 101 balls) and Sara McGlashan (56 from 66) put on 88 runs for the fourth wicket to have their side well placed. McGlashan's departure saw a collapse and when Mackay went with the score on 188, India finished off the innings quickly.
