Australia Women beat New Zealand Women by 89 runs:Ashley Gardner shines for Aussies with century in Women’s ODI World Cup; Devine’s 112 runs go in vain

Australia began their Women’s ODI World Cup campaign on a winning note, defeating New Zealand by 89 runs in Indore on Wednesday. Playing at the Holkar Stadium, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first, putting up a strong total of 326 runs in 49.3 overs. In reply, New Zealand struggled to chase and were bowled out for 237 runs in 43.2 overs. While skipper Sophie Devine fought hard with a brilliant century, the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide enough support. The match not only highlighted Australia’s all-round strength but also showed why they remain one of the strongest contenders in the tournament. Gardner’s brilliant century guides Australia Australia’s star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner led from the front with a superb century. She scored 115 runs off just 83 balls, hitting 16 fours and 1 six. Gardner’s innings set the tone for Australia’s big total. Also read: Mohsin Naqvi deposits Asia Cup trophy at ACC office: BCCI issues warning of impeachment; Team India returns home without trophy beating Pakistan in Dubai She was well supported by Phoebe Litchfield (45), Kim Garth (38), Ellyse Perry (33) and Tahlia McGrath (26). Skipper Alyssa Healy added 19 runs, while Sophie Molineux (14), Beth Mooney (12), Annabel Sutherland (5) and Alana King (4) chipped in. Darcy Brown remained unbeaten on 1. For New Zealand, Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr picked up three wickets each, while Amelia Kerr and Bree Illing claimed two apiece. Also read: No handshake in IND vs PAK Women’s World Cup match: BCCI official confirms teams won’t shake hands, similar to men’s teams Devine’s lone fight with the bat New Zealand had a poor start, losing Georgia Plimmer in the very first ball of the innings without scoring. Soon after, Suzie Bates was also dismissed for zero in the second over. However, captain Sophie Devine stood firm and scored a fighting 111 runs, which included 12 fours and 3 sixes. Apart from her, Amelia Kerr managed 33, Isabella Gaze and Brooke Halliday scored 28 each, and Maddy Green added 20. None of the other batters reached double figures. For Australia, Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland took three wickets each, while Alana King grabbed two. Two New Zealand players were run out. Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin goes unsold in ILT20 Auction 2025: Indian Off-spinner set base price INR 1.06 crore; Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla to feature in marquee tournament Head-to-head record favours Aussies This victory was Australia’s 103rd win over New Zealand in Women’s ODIs. Out of 136 matches between the two sides, Australia has won 103, while New Zealand has 31 victories, with 2 matches ending without a result. In Women’s ODI World Cup history, this was the 17th meeting between the two rivals. Australia has now won 14 of those encounters, while New Zealand has managed only 3 wins.