India put an end to their losing streak by snatching a tight win over New Zealand A in a women's one-day cricket match near Christchurch today.

India prevailed by three runs at Lincoln in their final dress rehearsal for a five-match series against New Zealand, starting at the same venue on Saturday.

Coming off a 0-3 series loss to Australia, a victory was important for India today, a result which was far from guaranteed after the tourists made 152 for nine in their 50 overs.

Mithali Raj scored 37 and Anjum Chopra 34 for India, with Zara McWilliams picking up three wickets and Natalee Scripps and Rachel Candy two each.

New Zealand A were dismissed for 149 after Ingrid Cronin-Knight topscored with 28, while Katey Martin made 27 and Rowan Milburn 22.

The best of the Indian bowlers was Neetu David with three for 22. Amita Sharma and Jhulan Goswami each took two wickets.

- NZPA