Defending champion Australia launched their Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign with an emphatic 89-run victory over New Zealand. The match showcased explosive batting and disciplined bowling in Indore. Ashleigh Gardner’s spectacular century anchored Australia’s imposing total of 326 runs. Her innings proved decisive in setting up a formidable challenge for New Zealand.
Gardner delivered a masterclass in power hitting during her stay at the crease. She smashed 115 runs from just 83 deliveries. Her innings featured 16 boundaries and one massive six. This remarkable performance marked the first century by a batter at No. 6 or lower in tournament history.
Australia’s innings began with fireworks from young opener Phoebe Litchfield. The 22-year-old scored 45 runs from merely 31 balls. Her aggressive approach gave Australia a rapid start in the powerplay. Litchfield’s innings included six fours and two sixes before her dismissal in the 11th over.
New Zealand fought back strongly after the opening partnership. Medium pacer Lea Tahuhu claimed three important wickets to disrupt Australia’s middle order. She removed Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, and Tahlia McGrath in a spell of controlled bowling. Australia found themselves in trouble at 128-5 before the recovery began.
Gardner found support from Tahlia McGrath during the critical phase. Their sixth-wicket partnership yielded 64 valuable runs. This stand revitalized Australia’s innings after the middle-order collapse. The partnership shifted momentum back toward the defending champions.
Gardner’s century came in spectacular fashion. She reached fifty off 43 deliveries before accelerating dramatically. Her second fifty required only 34 balls. The complete century came from 77 deliveries, making it the third-fastest in Women’s World Cup history.
Australia eventually posted 326 runs in 49.3 overs. This total set a new record for the highest score against New Zealand in women’s world cups. The previous best was England’s 284-9 in 2017. The Holkar Stadium witnessed its first women’s ODI in style.
New Zealand’s chase began disastrously from the very start. They lost two wickets without scoring a single run. Georgia Plimmer was run out while Sophie Molineux clean bowled Suzie Bates. Both batters departed for ducks within the first nine deliveries.
Captain Sophie Devine stepped up to lead the recovery mission. She partnered with Amelia Kerr to add 75 runs for the third wicket. Their partnership provided stability after the early setbacks. Kerr contributed 33 runs from 56 balls before falling to Alana King.
Devine continued to battle single-handedly for New Zealand. She built crucial partnerships with Brooke Halliday and Isabella Gaze. The stand with Halliday produced 53 runs from 65 deliveries. Later, she added 54 runs with Gaze from just 35 balls.
Isabella Gaze played a cameo that briefly threatened Australia’s dominance. She smashed six boundaries in her 18-ball 28. Her aggressive approach increased the scoring rate significantly. However, her dismissal at 218-6 effectively ended New Zealand’s hopes.
The final collapse saw New Zealand lose their last four wickets for just 19 runs. Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland shared six wickets between them. Molineux finished with 3-25 while Sutherland claimed 3-26. Their bowling proved too much for the lower order.
Devine’s magnificent century went in vain despite her heroic efforts. She scored 111 runs from 107 deliveries in a lone fight. At 36 years and 30 days, she became the third-oldest batter to score a Women’s World Cup century. Her innings showcased tremendous skill and determination.
This victory extended Australia’s dominant record against New Zealand. It marked their 16th consecutive ODI victory against their trans-Tasman rivals. The comprehensive win sends a strong message to other tournament contenders. Australia begins their title defense in impressive fashion.
Both teams now look ahead to their next World Cup matches. Australia travels to Colombo to face Sri Lanka on Saturday. New Zealand remains in Indore to play South Africa on Monday. The tournament continues with more exciting cricket action.