The Blackcaps have fallen at the semi-final stage of this year's Cricket World Cup, as hosts India claimed a 70-run victory at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
After winning the toss and batting first, India's 397/4 proved too much for New Zealand, despite a spirited 134 runs from Daryl Mitchell, as the Blackcaps answered with 327 all out.
With the ball, Mohammed Shami was India's hero, taking career-best figures of 7/57 to wrap up the New Zealand innings and see India complete victory with seven balls up their sleeve.
The host's innings was built on the back of twin centuries to Virat Kohli – who surpassed cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar by reaching three figures for the 50th time in one day internationals – with 117 from 113 balls, before Shreyas Iyer finished the innings with 105 from 70.
Tim Southee was the pick of the Blackcaps' attack, taking three wickets, albeit conceding exactly 100 runs from his 10 overs.
In reply, the Blackcaps lost openers Devon Conway (13) and Rachin Ravindra (13) inside the opening 10 overs, bringing Mitchell together with captain Kane Williamson.
In 149 balls, the duo added 181 runs together, with Williamson passing 50, and Mitchell notching his second century of the tournament, both coming against India.
Once Williamson fell at 220/3, though, India took control.
Even as Mitchell passed his highest ODI score of 134, only Glenn Phillips (41) passed double figures as the Blackcaps' lower order fell like a house of cards.
When Mitchell's heroic efforts came to an end at 306/7, when he holed out to Ravindra Jadeja off Shami's bowling, the Blackcaps' hopes went with him.
From there, the Blackcaps' last three wickets fell for 21 runs, as Shami's seven-wicket haul gave him the best bowling figures for an Indian, and was rightfully named player-of-the-match.
"Firstly, congrats to India," said Williamson. "They played outstandingly well, probably their best game today.
"Disappointing to go out but super proud of the effort that's gone in for the last seven weeks. The effort was there, but like I said India are top class, have world class batters who didn't give us a sniff really.
"It wasn't to be today but nice to be out there to give ourselves a chance.
"Even if it didn't go our way, ultimately moving forward as a team, we've taken some really good steps in the right direction."
India will now meet the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and South Africa in the decider, looking to win the World Cup for the first time since 2011.
India 397/4 (Kohli 117, Iyer 105; Southee 3/100)
New Zealand 327 all out (Mitchell 134, Williamson 69; Shami 7/57)
India win by 70 runs
