Cricket: White Ferns record easy win

Suzie Bates top scored for New Zealand with 65 not out. Photo / Getty Images

The White Ferns have advanced to the super-six stage of the ICC Women's One Day World Cup after comfortably beating Pakistan by seven wickets at Barabati Stadium in India.

Following a brilliant display of bowling from Rachel Candy (five for 19), captain Suzie Bates (65 not out) then led the effort with the bat to knock off Pakistan's first-innings total of 104 after 29.4 overs.

New Zealand made a shaky start in their chase, struggling at 39 for three, before Bates and Katie Perkins regained the upper-hand, showing plenty of patience along the way.

Pakistan were unable to make another breakthrough and succumbed to their second loss of the tournament.

Bates made it back-to-back half-centuries, while Perkins grabbed her first opportunity of the campaign with a mature 25 not out from 43 balls.

Earlier Candy, having missed the first game, seemingly adapted to the Indian conditions with ease and was unplayable for much of her ten overs.

Her first international five wicket-bag highlighted an impressive all-round effort with the ball from the White Ferns. Nicola Browne chimed in with a couple of wickets, while Kate Broadmore conceded just 15 runs off her full compliment.

It's the right time for the White Ferns to be hitting form, with their next match against a strong Australian side. With the teams taking their points through to the super-six stage, both sides will be well aware that every victory counts.

The Trans-Tasman rivals square off on Tuesday.