White Ferns glimpse hope, but champions shut the door with depth and firepower
Australia wasted little time reminding the cricketing world why they remain the most feared side in women’s cricket. After facing a rare wobble against New Zealand in Indore, the reigning World Cup holders stormed to an 89-run win to open their account at CWC25, powered by a devastating century from Ash Gardner and a sharp return from Sophie Molineux.
White Ferns sniff opportunity, but Gardner turns tide
At 113/4 in the 19th over, New Zealand sensed a breakthrough moment. Annabel Sutherland had just departed, the Aussies were under pressure, and momentum appeared to be swinging. But the arrival of Gardner quickly silenced any optimism.
The all-rounder tore into the Kiwi attack with controlled aggression, smashing 115 from 83 balls, including 16 fours and a six. Her innings shifted the contest completely, underlining the depth and resilience of Australia’s batting lineup.
“That’s Australia for you, isn’t it?” New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine admitted afterwards. “Every time you think you’ve got them, another world-class batter walks in. Even Kim Garth at number nine looked like a top-order player. You just can’t switch off against them.”
Batting depth the key to Aussie dominance
Gardner highlighted what makes this Australian side unique — their ability to score deep into the order.
“Sometimes I come in when we’re already 250 and I can tee off, but today it was four for 120,” she explained. “The belief in our lower-order is massive. They played with freedom and took pressure off me, which made batting a lot of fun.”
Her partnership with the tail propelled Australia to a formidable 326 all out, a total that proved well beyond New Zealand despite Devine’s defiant century in the chase.
Molineux makes dream comeback
Adding to Australia’s positives was the performance of Sophie Molineux, playing just her second game after a long injury layoff. The left-arm spinner immediately made her mark, taking 3/25 in 8.2 overs, including a wicket in her very first over.
“Amazing to see Soph back,” Gardner said. “She’s one of the hardest workers I know, and after so many setbacks, her resilience is incredible. To see her contribute straight away was just awesome.”
What this means for Australia’s campaign
The convincing win not only put Australia on the board but also showcased the frightening balance of their squad. Gardner’s knock reinforced the unmatched depth in their batting order, while Molineux’s return bolstered an already potent bowling attack.
Looking ahead, the Aussies will have little rest as they shift focus to Saturday’s clash against Sri Lanka in Colombo, where a second straight victory would put them in a commanding early position in their title defence.