Gardner’s blazing ton lifts Australia past New Zealand

News Desk

India: Indore – Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive century overshadowed Sophie Devine’s valiant effort as defending champions Australia began their Women’s World Cup campaign with a commanding 89-run win over New Zealand on Wednesday.

Australia, recovering from a shaky start, posted 326 after Gardner’s counterattacking 115 off just 83 balls. In reply, Devine struck a fighting 111 but could not prevent New Zealand from being bowled out for 237 in 43.2 overs.

Opting to bat, Australia made a brisk start through Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield, before Amelia Kerr’s 100th ODI wicket sparked a collapse. The Aussies slipped to 128 for 5, with Lea Tahuhu striking thrice, but Gardner’s aggressive strokeplay revived the innings. She dominated both spin and pace, racing to her century in 77 balls and guiding Australia to a total beyond New Zealand’s reach.

Chasing a record target, New Zealand were rocked early by Sophie Molineux, who dismissed Suzie Bates for a duck on her ODI return. A steady but slow partnership between Devine and Kerr failed to ease the pressure, and Australia’s spinners kept a tight grip. 

Devine counterattacked with a flurry of late boundaries, raising her ninth ODI ton, but Annabel Sutherland’s triple strike in the 43rd over, including the dismissal of Devine, sealed Australia’s victory.

Molineux (3 for 25) and Sutherland (3 for 26) shared six wickets to back up Gardner’s heroics, while Kerr and Tahuhu were the pick of New Zealand’s bowlers.

Australia will take plenty of confidence from their opening win in Indore — the venue’s first women’s ODI — while New Zealand will rue their batting collapse despite Devine’s lone fight.