Indore: Ash Gardner’s blistering century paved the way for Australia as they cruised to an 89-run victory over New Zealand in their World Cup opener at Indore. Despite Sophie Devine’s valiant 112, the White Ferns fell short, highlighting Australia’s early dominance in the tournament.
Australia Set the Tone with a Flawless Batting Display
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia started aggressively on a batting-friendly track. Phoebe Litchfield immediately took charge, dispatching a couple of boundaries off Jess Kerr and Bree Illing. Even after Alyssa Healy’s early departure, Australia raced to 81 for 0 inside the first ten overs.
Litchfield’s innings ended at 45, trapped by Amelia Kerr’s googly, bringing Australia to 128 for 5 by the 22nd over. Enter Ash Gardner, who turned the innings around with her second ODI century. In just 83 balls, she belted 115, anchoring the innings while Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, and Kim Garth provided crucial support. Gardner reached her hundred with a crisp boundary off Sophie Devine before eventually falling in the 47th over. Australia posted a competitive 326, with late wickets from Jess Kerr capping the innings.
New Zealand Struggle to Keep Pace
Chasing 327, New Zealand were immediately on the back foot. Georgia Plimmer was run out in the very first over without facing a ball, and Suzie Bates was cleaned up by Molineux in the next, leaving the Kiwis reeling.
Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr attempted to steady the innings with a crucial partnership. Amelia’s aggressive strokeplay briefly lifted the scoring rate, but she eventually fell while trying to loft Alana King. Devine fought a lone battle with 112 runs, but inconsistent support from the middle order — Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, and Izzy Gaze — meant Australia maintained control. Annabel Sutherland and Molineux wrapped up the tail, leaving New Zealand all out for 237 in the 44th over.
Key Takeaways
Gardner’s masterclass with the bat set the foundation for Australia’s commanding win. Her aggressive strokeplay and ability to accelerate the innings under pressure showcased why she is a vital cog in the team’s World Cup plans. Devine’s hundred, while impressive, was a reminder that cricket is a team sport — individual brilliance alone cannot secure victory against a balanced opposition.
Brief Scores:
- Australia: 326/10 in 49.3 overs (Ash Gardner 115, Phoebe Litchfield 45; Lea Tahuhu 3-42, Jess Kerr 3-59)
- New Zealand: 237 all out in 43.2 overs (Sophie Devine 112, Izzy Gaze 28; Sophie Molineux 3-25, Annabel Sutherland 3-26)
- Result: Australia won by 89 runs