White Ferns coach Bob Carter says their drought-breaking series win over India gives them valuable confidence as the start of the World Cup in New Zealand looms.
White Ferns celebrate an Indian wicket. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Despite a six-wicket loss in the fifth and final match in Queenstown on Thursday, the White Ferns prevailed 4-1 overall for their first series victory in two years.
Ahead of warm-up matches against Pakistan and Australia over the next four days, Carter said the Indian series had given the New Zealand side plenty of belief.
"All-in-all, we've got a lot to take away.
"As well as a winning series, it's always nice to get that confidence and self-belief. I think we've had a real change in our mindset, the way we've played the game."
The success also meant Carter was confident the team wouldn't be relying on two or three players in their bid for World Cup glory.
The series win over India came after a prolonged period of poor results.
During that dry spell, the White Ferns had been criticised for not having enough depth behind a handful of senior players, but Carter said that was no longer the case.
"We've now built a team which is capable of doing well at the World Cup, and obviously we want to win the World Cup.
"We've now got an all-round team, all the way down. We've got the right balance with our spinners and seamers and we've built a very strong batting line-up."
White Ferns coach Bob Carter Photo: Photosport
All that remained now was to embrace the chance to play in a home World Cup, rather than get bogged down by the pressure that came with it.
Carter said they had had a lot of discussions about what a home World Cup meant.
"Obviously we want to win, we'll play hard.
"But there's also another side of it and that is to enjoy the whole experience.
"We're going to be travelling quite a bit as the home team. We go to a lot of cities and towns, and that's exciting for us."
The White Ferns warm-up matches were against Pakistan (Sunday) and Australia (Tuesday) at Lincoln, before the tournament opener against the West Indies in Mt Maunganui next Friday.