INDORE (SNP Report): Australia Women launched their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign in style, overpowering New Zealand Women by 89 runs in the second fixture, thanks to a blistering century by Ashleigh Gardner and a sharp bowling display.
Batting first, Australia posted an imposing total of 326 all out in 49.4 overs. Despite early setbacks, losing Alyssa Healy (19), Phoebe Litchfield (45), and Ellyse Perry (33) early, Gardner turned the game around with a commanding 115 off 83 balls, laced with 14 fours and 4 sixes. Lower-order cameos ensured Australia crossed the 300-run mark. For New Zealand, Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu claimed 3 wickets each, while Amelia Kerr and Bree Illing shared 4 between them.
In response, New Zealand Women crumbled early, losing both openers, Georgia Plimmer (run out for a diamond duck) and Suzie Bates (0), without scoring. Skipper Sophie Devine waged a lone battle, hammering 112 off 112 balls (12 fours, 3 sixes) and stitching crucial stands with Amelia Kerr (31) and Brooke Halliday (26).
But after Devine’s dismissal in the 43rd over, the chase collapsed dramatically. Annabel Sutherland took 3 wickets in a single over, cleaning up the tail as New Zealand were bundled out for 237 in 42.5 overs. Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland finished with 3 wickets apiece, while Alana King chipped in with 2.
SCORES IN BRIEF: AUSTRALIA WOMEN 326 all out (Ashleigh Gardner 115, Phoebe Litchfield 45; Jess Kerr 3-57, Lea Tahuhu 3-62) beat NEW ZEALAND WOMEN 237 all out (Sophie Devine 112; Sutherland 3-25, Molineux 3-38) by 89 runs.
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