Dubai, March 2 -- New Zealand fell to India's spin ploy as the Rohit Sharma-led side ended at the top of Group A with a 44-run victory in Dubai on Sunday.

India decided to drop Harshit Rana and field four spinners for their final group-stage game before the semifinals. The decision worked wonders as India's ball tweakers spun New Zealand batters inside out to defend its 249-run target successfully.

With a third victory on the trot, India ended the group stage with six points, while New Zealand finished in second with four points.

Kane Williamson waged a lone war as the Kiwis continued to get outdone by Indian spinners. The various renditions of the sweep shot were the escape route that New Zealand batters tried to use to avoid the thre...