Cricket: White Ferns triumph in final warm-up

The New Zealand women's cricket team completed preparations for their World Twenty20 tournament with a 17-run victory over India in England early today.

New Zealand defended their total of 123 for five with a tight bowling performance in Taunton, dismissing India for 106 on the last ball of the match.

Aimee Watkins top scored for New Zealand with a rapid 60 from 51 deliveries. She struck a half dozen boundaries and the only six of the innings.

Amy Satterthwaite provided useful support with 34 from 35 balls as the pair added 82 for the fourth wicket after New Zealand were in early strife at 31 for three after seven overs.

New Zealand's total was always beyond the Indians, who lost wickets at regular intervals.

India were in disarray at 17 for four in the seventh over though Priyanka Roy contributed a face-saving 28 batting at No 9 to give the run chase some respectability.

New Zealand's six-pronged bowling attack were all rewarded with Kate Pulford (2-18) Satterthwaite (2-12) and Watkins (2-24) causing the majority of the damage. New Zealand, who lost by seven wickets to England in their previous warm-up match, open their Twenty20 campaign against favourites Australia on Saturday (NZT).

- NZPA