Brilliant centuries from Smriti and Harmanpreet were backed by courageous bowling performance as India beat WI by 155 runs.
The T20 Challenge, to be played during the IPL play-offs, will begin with last year's finalist Supernovas taking on Velocity in the opening game.
India's unpredictable middle-order has repeatedly squandered good starts at the women's T20 World cup. In all the three matches, the bowling unit bailed the side out.
Not considered among the top T20 teams in the world, India produced a power-packed performance, winning the opener against a formidable New Zealand side by 34 runs after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's 51-ball 103.
India will be keen to go one step ahead and claim the title that has eluded them
Indian women's ODI captain Mithali Raj said cricket has helped her deal with the adversities of life.
Earlier this month, ECB managing director Ashley Giles had said that cricketers will be provided "mental health screening" before they commit to any further tours.
IMAGES from the first ODI played between New Zealand and India at Napier
Presenting the hottest designs from the New Zealand Fashion Week 2017.
The early overs used to be all about Smriti Mandhana but India's star opener says she feels relieved of pressure thanks to the emergence of teenage prodigy Shafali Verma. There's been no hesitation from Verma in making a name for herself on the global stage, the 16-year-old having scored 68 runs across two games, including five sixes and seven fours, at an impressive strike rate of 212.
India will be looking to erase the memories of a heart-breaking World Cup final defeat last year when they take on England in the semi-finals of the ICC Women's World T20 on Friday morning (IST).
Hanging on to fourth spot on the points table, a loss tomorrow will shatter India's semi-final hopes.
In a 74-page 'manifesto' the attacker posted online, he described himself as a white supremacist who was out to 'avenge attacks in Europe perpetrated by Muslims'.
India ODI captain Mithali Raj gears up to make a 'fresh start' under the able guidance of new coach WV Raman during the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
Home favourite Su Yiming of China made his Olympic debut on Sunday and received a standing ovation in return.
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Saturday
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