Sophie Devine of New Zealand walks off. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Often the chasers, the White Ferns can now be considered the ones being chased in world cricket.
The New Zealanders are in India preparing for their first series since being crowned T20 World Cup winners.
Just fours days after their historic victory over South Africa in Dubai, the White Ferns start a three match ODI series against India in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
As world champions, captain Sophie Devine admitted their status on the world stage had shifted somewhat.
"We're now going to be the hunted," Devine told a media conference on the eve of the first game.
"It's a position that we haven't been in for a very long time and it's something that we really want to embrace. We want to enjoy that privilege and the pressure that comes with that.
"Now we've set the standard and it's as much about us as it is about other teams trying to take us down.
"It's nice to be called world champions and we know teams are going to be targeting us so how can we maintain our level of standards."
The White Ferns have played just six ODI's so far in 2024, all against England and they lost five of them.
They are currently sixth on the world championship table with the top five teams plus hosts India automatically qualifying for next year's 50-over World Cup.
Pakistan and West Indies sit just behind New Zealand on the table.
Devine said the series against India is an important one for them.
"Our first priority is securing qualification points," she said.
"It's always going to be a challenge playing India in their conditions
"We're excited about that challenge, we have a great group and obviously building off the momentum we've been able to create from the world cup I think we're in a really good position to come in here and have some success."
New Zealand players celebrates. T20 World Cup final, Dubai, 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Devine said having spent the last few weeks in the UAE (at the World Cup) they're use to the Indian conditions.
"It was actually warmer in Dubai so we're acclimatised to the heat and humidity.
"However fifty over cricket is certainly a different kettle of fish in terms of being able to sustain it over six or seven hours so we need to focus on is that energy and how we can maintain that through out both innings."
Taking on India at the 130,000 seat capacity Narendra Modi Stadium will be a challenge for Devine's team.
"I know they'll be disappointed after the recent tournament but India at home are incredibly strong, they've got depth through out their lineup with both bat and ball.
"Finding ways to take wickets will be key for us."
Schedule:
Oct 24, 9pm, Ahmedabad.
Oct 27, 9pm, Ahmedabad.
Oct 29, 9pm, Ahmedabad.
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