Women’s World Cup 2025: Ashleigh Gardner lit up Indore with a breathtaking century as defending champions Australia began their campaign with a commanding 89-run victory over New Zealand on Wednesday.
Australia were in trouble early at 128/5, but Gardner’s brilliant 83-ball 115, packed with 16 fours and a six, turned the game around. The 28-year-old all-rounder not only rescued her team from a collapse but also guided them to their highest-ever total against New Zealand — 326 runs in 49.3 overs.
Sophie Devine, the experienced Kiwi skipper, responded with a fighting knock of her own. She smashed 111 off 112 balls, laced with 12 boundaries and three sixes, registering her ninth ODI century and third in World Cups. But despite her heroics, New Zealand faltered and were bowled out for 237 in 43.2 overs.
Earlier, Australia’s top order struggled as Alyssa Healy (19), Phoebe Litchfield (45), Ellyse Perry (33), Beth Mooney (12), and Annabel Sutherland (5) fell cheaply. The Kiwi bowlers Amelia Kerr (2/44) and Lea Tahuhu (3/42) applied pressure before Gardner changed the course of the match. She stitched crucial partnerships with Kim Garth (38), Tahlia McGrath (26), and Sophie Molineux (14) to take Australia past the 300-run mark. Jess Kerr also impressed for New Zealand, finishing with 3/59.
Chasing a stiff target, New Zealand lost Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates without scoring. Despite Devine’s resistance, wickets kept tumbling. Amelia Kerr (33), Brooke Halliday (28), and Isabella Gaze (28) chipped in but couldn’t provide enough support. Australia’s bowlers dominated the second innings with Sophie Molineux (3/25), Annabel Sutherland (3/26), and Alana King (2/44) ensuring the win.
The victory underlined why Australia are considered favorites yet again, with Gardner’s knock standing out as one of the most memorable innings of this World Cup so far.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 326 in 49.3 overs (A Gardner 115, P Litchfield 45, L Tahuhu 3/42, Jess Kerr 3/59)
New Zealand: 237 in 43.2 overs (S Devine 111, A King 2/44, S Molineux 3/25, A Sutherland 3/26)
Result: Australia won by 89 runs
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