The White Ferns continued their recent dominance over India with a 62-run win in their Women's Cricket World Cup game in Hamilton.
Defending 261 on what had been a batter-friendly Seddon Park, the New Zealand bowlers showed up when it mattered to secure their second win of the tournament.
New Zealand's Lea Tahuhu successfully appeals for a dismissal against India. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Pace bowler Lea Tahuhu had her best return for the world cup so far, taking 3-17 from her 10 overs in a miserly showing that kept India in check early in their run chase.
Spinner Amelia Kerr also had the measure of the India batters with 3-56.
Harmanpreet Kaur's 71 off 63 balls was the only score of note for India as the rest of the order never really got going.
The batters were scoring at less than three runs an over for an extended period as the required run-rate hovered around seven and the task in front of the visitors continued to mount.
Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl as captain Mithali Raj said she wanted to give her spin bowlers a chance before any potential evening dew at Seddon Park.
The White Ferns got off to a fast start reaching 51 for 1 in the powerplay, with just the loss of Suzie Bates who was run out for the second time in the tournament.
Captain Sophie Devine scored a quick-fire 35, but it was Amy Satterthwaite and Kerr who were the main contributors with the bat.
Satterthwaite top-scored with 75, including nine fours, and number three batter Kerr reached 50 runs as she continued her success against the India bowlers.
It was Kerr's fifth consecutive 50 against India and her first world cup half century.
Wicketkeeper Katey Martin also kept the scoreboard ticking, amassing late runs before getting out in the last over for 41.
New Zealand were 211-4 at the 40-over mark but India took control of the final 10 overs, taking six wickets for 49 runs in that period of play.
India's late fightback was courtesy of Pooja Vastrakar's four wickets, three of which came between overs 43 and 47.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad also stood out with the ball for India with 2-46 from her 10 overs.
The White Ferns' next game is against Australia in Wellington on Sunday.
