Australia kicked off their Women’s ODI World Cup title defense with a dominant 89-run victory over New Zealand in the opener at Holkar Stadium in Indore. Standout all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner stole the show, smashing an unbeaten 115 off just 83 balls to help her team post a massive 320.
Gardner, who earned Player of the Match honors, shared her thoughts after the win. “It was really special,” she said. “When I got out there, my plan was simple: get in, play to my strengths, and score off as many balls as I could. We knew we needed a big total on this small ground with a flat pitch, so I just capitalized once I settled.”
Her knock marked her first century in the Women’s ODI World Cup and her second in ODIs overall. Batting at number six, Gardner became the first player to reach a ton from that position or lower in the tournament’s history. She hit 16 fours and a six at a strike rate of 138.55, turning Australia’s shaky start—slumping to 128 for five—into a match-winning total.
“I’m keeping my game simple,” Gardner explained. “Hitting boundaries hard and running between the wickets gets me going. Then, if I can add a big shot, the innings flows from there.”
She credited Australia’s deep batting lineup for giving everyone the freedom to attack. “We bat all the way down, so even if we’re five down early, guys step up and change the game. I love those pressure moments and just go for it.”
Gardner also tipped her hat to New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, who fought back with a brilliant 112—her ninth ODI century. “Sophie batted brilliantly and made it tough for our bowlers,” Gardner noted. “That’s going to be a big trend in this World Cup: piling on runs to give your attack something to work with.”
Australia captain Alyssa Healy praised Gardner’s growth and the team’s resilience. “Ashleigh’s maturing into an incredible cricketer—it’s awesome to see,” Healy said. “Posting 320 after being in trouble shows our middle and lower order can deliver. While Sophie was firing, we never felt safe, but the bowlers hung tough. We’ll look at sharpening our batting a bit more.”
Healy also highlighted contributions from the bowling unit, including Annabel Sutherland finding her rhythm.
For Devine, the century felt bittersweet despite the personal milestone. “I’d trade it all for a win,” she admitted. “But I’m proud of the fight we showed. A couple of years ago, we might have folded early. Now, we’re staying in it.”
She pointed out some errors in reading the pitch. “On a flat surface like this, we misjudged lines and lengths a bit. But the way our players adapt and play their roles is what’s driving this team forward.”
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