Australia kicked off their defense of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title with a dominant 89-run victory over New Zealand at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Wednesday. Despite a fighting century from Sophie Devine, the White Ferns couldn’t chase down Australia’s massive total of 326.
The Aussies built a strong foundation in their innings, reaching 326 all out in 49.3 overs. Star performer Ashleigh Gardner smashed a brilliant 115, while opener Phoebe Litchfield added a solid 45. New Zealand’s bowlers fought back late, with Lea Tahuhu grabbing 3-42 and Jess Kerr taking 3-59.
New Zealand’s reply started disastrously, losing two quick wickets in the first two overs. Georgia Plimmer got run out for a duck after a mix-up with Suzie Bates, who also fell for nought when her inside edge off Sophie Molineux’s bowling ricocheted onto the stumps.
Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine then put on a crucial 75-run partnership to steady the ship. Devine shone brightest, crafting a gritty 112 off 112 balls with 12 fours and three sixes—her ninth ODI century. Along the way, she became just the fourth New Zealand woman to reach 4,000 ODI runs.
But Australia hit back hard. Leg-spinner Alana King removed Kerr and Brooke Halliday to break the stand. Another run-out, this time of Maddy Green, piled on the pressure for New Zealand. Izzy Gaze chipped in with a quick 28, partnering Devine for 50 runs to keep hopes alive, but she holed out to Molineux while trying to up the scoring rate.
The match turned decisively when all-rounder Annabel Sutherland ran through the lower order in the 43rd over, claiming three wickets—including Devine’s—to finish with 3-26. Molineux wrapped things up with 3-25, including the final scalp of Bree Illing, as New Zealand collapsed to 237 all out in 43.2 overs.
This win puts Australia firmly in the favorites’ circle to retain their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup crown, while New Zealand will look to bounce back.
Brief scores: Australia 326 all out in 49.3 overs (Ashleigh Gardner 115, Phoebe Litchfield 45; Lea Tahuhu 3-42, Jess Kerr 3-59) beat New Zealand 237 all out in 43.2 overs (Sophie Devine 112, Amelia Kerr 33; Sophie Molineux 3-25, Annabel Sutherland 3-26) by 89 runs.
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