The Indian women's tennis team suffered a 1-2 loss against New Zealand in a group stage match of the Billie Jean King Cup in Pune on Tuesday. (More Tennis News)
Competing in the Asia-Oceania Group 1, the hosts began on a promising note as Shrivalli Bhamidipaty delivered a dominant performance to thrash Aishi Das 6-1 6-1 and hand India an early lead.
However, New Zealand bounced back strongly. Sahaja Yamalapalli couldn't match the experience of Lulu Sun in the second singles, losing 3-6 3-6.
In the decisive doubles rubber, the seasoned pair of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare went down 3-6 4-6 to the Kiwi duo of Lulu Sun and Monique Barry, handing New Zealand the tie.
India will face Thailand in their second group fixture on Wednesday.
