The New Zealand women's cricket side have been brought back down to earth at the women's World Cup in India with a crushing seven-wicket defeat to Australia in their final pool match in Cuttack overnight.
The White Ferns had already qualified for the Super Six stage but their defeat to Australia has made their chances of progressing to the February 17 final more difficult.
Australia topped Group B and take two more points than New Zealand into the Super Six fixtures, meaning the White Ferns probably need to win their three Super Six games to reach the World Cup decider. They take on Sri Lanka, the West Indies and defending world champions England in their three matches.
Batting first, the previously unbeaten White Ferns slumped to 39 for four before skipper Suzie Bates rescued the innings with a patient 102 off 134 balls.
Her fourth ODI century, along with lower order contributions from Katie Perkins (41) and Nicola Browne (39), guided New Zealand through to 227-6 from their 50 overs.
Despite losing an early wicket in their chase, Australia remained in control of the match with opener Meg Lanning scoring 112 off just 104 balls to set up a seven-wicket victory.
Lanning and Australian No 3 Jess Cameron (82) put on 182 for the second wicket as Australia easily chased down the target with more than 11 overs to spare.
Super Six fixtures:
Friday 8th: New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Mumbai, 4.30pm NZT
Monday 11th: New Zealand v West Indies, Mumbai, 4.30pm NZT
Wednesday 13th: New Zealand v England, Mumbai, 4.30pm NZT
