Indore: Defending champions Australia showcased their superiority over trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand during their Women’s World Cup opener in Indore on Wednesday, October 1. Like India the previous day, Australia faced a challenging situation at 128/5, with Amelia Kerr causing trouble for the Australian batting lineup. However, they managed to recover, ultimately posting a total of 326 runs, which they later defended comfortably.
Australia’s innings was bolstered by Ashleigh Gardner, who achieved her maiden World Cup century. Despite losing wickets in clusters, the team maintained a run rate exceeding six. Gardner capitalized on the favorable batting conditions, reaching her hundred off just 77 balls. Notably, she became the first player in Women’s World Cup history to score a century batting at No. 6 or lower, surpassing the previous record held by her compatriot Alex Blackwell, who scored 90 against India in the 2017 World Cup.
Highest Individual Scores in Women’s World Cup at No. 6 or Lower:
- 115 (83) – Ash Gardner (AUS vs NZ), Indore, 2025
- 90 (56) – Alex Blackwell (AUS vs IND), Derby, 2017
- 74* (63) – Ally Kuylaars (SA vs PAK), Vadodara, 1997
- 73* (94) – Maria Fahey (NZ vs IND), Potchefstroom, 2005
- 70 (45) – Veda Krishnamurthy (IND vs NZ), Derby, 2017
Gardner formed crucial partnerships, including a 64-run stand with Tahlia McGrath, 47 runs with Sophie Molineux, and 69 runs alongside Kim Garth. These contributions were vital for Australia to reach a competitive total of 326.
In response, New Zealand’s innings began sluggishly but improved, particularly as Brooke Halliday started to dominate the Australian bowlers, bolstering the confidence of captain Sophie Devine at the other end. Devine also scored a century but ultimately ran out of partners, leading the White Ferns to fall short by 89 runs. While it was a valiant effort from New Zealand, both with bat and ball, they will look to build on this performance in upcoming matches to secure better results.
