Photo: Kerry Marshall/www.photosport.nz
The White Ferns have suffered their second successive loss at the World Cup, going down to South Africa by six wickets in Indore.
New Zealand scored just 231, with the Proteas reaching their target with almost ten overs to spare.
"Some things went well in both innings but in this competition, you cannot play half a game," captain Sophie Devine said afterwards.
After winning the toss and deciding to bat first the New Zealanders were immediately in trouble with opener Suzie Bates trapped lbw off the very first ball of the innings.
Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr put on 44 for the second wicket, before Kerr was dismissed for 23.
Devine (85), Brooke Halliday (45) and Plimmer (31) gave the Ferns innings a good foundation but there was very little to add.
After Halliday went in the 39th over, New Zealand lost their next six wickets for 44 runs.
Left arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba took four wickets.
"Even though it was a different pitch to the first game (against Australia) I still thought it was a 270-280 wicket," Devine said.
"We got into a good position to launch but kept losing wickets."
In reply opener Tazmin Brits scored a century and Sune Luus an unbeaten 81 as South Africa cruised to their target in the 41st over.
It was Brits' fifth ODI century of the year.
Amelia Kerr took two wickets.
"Credit to the way they batted (at the start), they negated what we threw at them," Devine said.
New Zealand lost to Australia by 89 runs in their opening game and are currently one of just two teams without a point in the competition.
They play Bangladesh in Guwahati in their next game on Friday.
"It puts a bit more pressure on the remaining games. We know exactly where we stand and what we have to do," said Devine.
The game marked Devine's 300th international appearance, while Bates was playing her 350th.
"I will sit down with Batesy and reflect on what has been a great career.
"Humble and grateful to have pulled on this shirt 300 times."
