White Ferns Collapse After Promising Stand
Australia kept their grip on the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 opener, reducing New Zealand to five down even as skipper Sophie Devine tried to anchor the innings with a determined knock. The White Ferns’ chase of 327 faltered early, and two run-outs only deepened their woes in Indore.
Early Blows Rock New Zealand
The reply began in disastrous fashion. Georgie Plimmer was run out in the very first over after a mix-up with Suzie Bates, and the veteran herself departed moments later—bowled by Sophie Molineux via an inside edge. At 2/7, New Zealand were left reeling before Amelia Kerr and Devine stitched together a stabilizing partnership.
But once Alana King struck twice in quick succession—removing Kerr and Brooke Halliday—the White Ferns were once again searching for answers. To make matters worse, Maddy Green was run out following another miscommunication, leaving Devine stranded without reliable support.
Gardner Lifts Australia Past 300
Earlier in the day, defending champions Australia overcame a shaky start to post a daunting 326. Star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner played a match-defining innings, blasting 115 off just 83 balls for her second ODI century. She arrived at the crease with wickets tumbling but counterattacked brilliantly to change the momentum.
Gardner’s onslaught came after Leah Tahuhu’s fiery spell had rattled the Aussies. The experienced pacer dismissed Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, then returned to break a crucial stand by removing Tahlia McGrath. Meanwhile, Amelia Kerr delivered another milestone moment, bagging her 100th ODI wicket when she dismissed Phoebe Litchfield—becoming only the third New Zealand bowler to reach the landmark.
Historic Stage in Indore
This high-stakes clash also carries history: it is the first-ever international women’s cricket match at Holkar Stadium, Indore. For Healy, who had opted to bat first after winning the toss, it was a mixed day—falling cheaply to debutant Bree Illing before watching her side recover through Gardner’s brilliance.
Australia, seven-time champions, entered the competition as favorites and are chasing an unprecedented eighth World Cup crown. New Zealand, meanwhile, are looking to build on last year’s T20 World Cup triumph under Devine, who is featuring in her fifth and final 50-over World Cup.