In a thrilling AUS vs NZ game at Indore, Ashleigh Gardner’s century led Australia Women to a convincing 89-run victory over New Zealand Women in their group match of the 2025 Women’s World Cup. Sophie Devine counter-attacked with a century of her own, but the defending champions were far too strong.
Australia Overcomes Collapse to Post Mammoth 326
Batting first, Australia Women were in trouble at 128 for 5, but an incredible 115 off 83 balls by Ashleigh Gardner changed the face of the game. Her attacking innings saved the innings and enabled the side to score a record total of 326 runs, the highest ever by any team here in a women’s ODI.
Gardner’s knock consisted of elegant hits down the ground and crisp cover drives, reaching her half-century in 43 and her hundred in another 34. Her emphatic effort lit up the city of Indore, which saw its first-ever women’s ODI, with a crowd of almost 9,000 there to witness it.
Litchfield, Perry Give Solid Start Before Collapse
Openers Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield started on a good note after Australia decided to bat. Litchfield dazzled with her footwork and stroke play, and Australia scored 81/1 at the end of the power play.
But Amelia Kerr dished out a collapse with an amazing googly to get rid of Litchfield for her 100th ODI scalp. The Kiwi bowlers, spearheaded by Lea Tahuhu and Kerr, put pressure on and snapped up wickets in rapid succession, leaving Australia reeling at 128 for 5 by the 21st over. But Gardner’s counter-attack, aided by late arrivals, including rapid runs from the lower order, helped Australia reach 326/10.
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Sophie Devine Century in Vain as in Australia Women vs New Zealand Women
Pursuing a record 327, New Zealand Women were struck early, with Georgia Plimmer dismissed for a run-out without seeing a ball and Suzie Bates for a duck in the second over.
Despite the initial failure, Sophie Devine remained unbeaten. She hit a stunning 111 off 94 balls, her ninth ODI hundred, to keep her side’s hopes alive. She reached her fifty in 69 balls and played four successive boundaries off Darcie Brown to go into the 90s before going for a six to complete her century.
Wickets fell around her unfortunately, and the run rate to achieve kept rising out of hand. Devine’s fall in the 43rd over saw the collapse coming, with New Zealand being bowled out for 237 in 43.2 overs.
Australia Women’s Bowlers Seal the Deal
Sophie Molineux, returning after a layoff due to injury, impressed with 3 for 25, including the early scalp of Bates. Alana King and Annabel Sutherland strangled the middle overs and grabbed key wickets, with Sutherland claiming a game-altering triple strike in the 43rd over. Despite the absence of the experienced Megan Schutt, the Australian bowlers were disciplined and had firepower.
Key Highlights – AUS vs NZ, Women’s World Cup 2025
- Ashleigh Gardner made 115 (83) to save Australia from 128/5.
- Sophie Devine replied with 111 (94), but did not have support from the other batting order.
- Amelia Kerr achieved 100 ODI wickets and bowled a good spell.
- Annabel Sutherland’s triple strike in the 43rd over sealed the victory.
- Sophie Molineux made her ODI comeback with a great 3-wicket return.
- Australia Women won by 89 runs, beginning their title defence on a high.
