India found themselves in the midst of an umpiring controversy against the Kiwis here on Friday, a match they lost by 58 runs
India's run rate currently stands at a poor -2.99, making big victories mandatory for them in the remaining three matches against Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia.
New Zealand eventually turned out to be comfortable winners on the night due to which the controversy didn't garner much attention in the end.
India were bowled out for 102 in 19 overs in their pursuit of 161 with not a single player reaching an individual score of 20.
The defending champions Australia will aim to win the title for a record-extending seventh time when they start their campaign on Saturday
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt (59 off 55 balls) and Tazmin Brits (57 off 52 balls), who had earlier in the day pulled off an excellent catch at cover point, got the job done easily for last edition's runner
India women vs New Zealand women HIGHLIGHTS: India lost their last 6 wickets for just 32 runs to get a disappointing start in UAE
The two sides have met each other 13 times over the years, with the Kiwis having the upper hand, winning 9 matches. India have won 4 matches against New Zealand so far.
Defending a small total, left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal led the way for Pakistan with excellent figures of 3/17 in four overs, while there were two wickets apiece for Omaima Sohail and Nashra Sandhu
Both South Africa and West Indies will face a tough task ahead, with 2 defeats each in their warm-up matches going into the tournament.
Pakistan women's cricket team won the toss against Sri Lanka and elected to bat first in Sharjah.
A brilliant bowling display by the Bangladesh contingent saw them bag their first points in the table.
Bangladesh women's cricket team will lock horns with Scotland women's team in the opening match of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 at Sharjah today
The global showpiece gets underway in the UAE from Thursday, and India are placed in Group A alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who in all likelihood, will be appearing in her last T20 World Cup, has been witness to several near misses and disappointing moments from close quarters.
The tournament gets underway in Sharjah on Thursday with the final slated in Dubai on October 20.
In the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, ten teams have been divided into two groups of five teams each, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for semifinal.
The Aussie side will be led by experienced Alyssa Healy, with Tahlia McGrath as her deputy in their third straight title defence in the UAE
The Indian women's cricket team will be looking to lift their maiden world title this year when the 9th edition of the tournament kicks off on October 3.
Performing in a tournament like this has its own perks. It contributes significantly to what the player rankings will be after the tournament ends.