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Devine's lone fight in vain as Gardner's ton helps Australia thrash New Zealand by 89 runs

Akshita Patel

Australia Women dominate in first World Cup game [Source: @cricketworldcup/X.com]Australia Women dominate in first World Cup game [Source: @cricketworldcup/X.com]

Australia Women got off to a winning start in their ICC Women's World Cup 2025 as they defeated New Zealand Women by 89 runs in the 2nd fixture. Ashleigh Gardner's century ensured that the Aussies piled on a strong total of 326 runs.

While Sophie Devine led resistance in the chase with a stunning ton, her teammates let her down, leading to a humbling defeat.

Ashleigh Gardner’s ton propels Australia Women to a strong total

Australia Women batted first, with Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield bringing up a 40-run opening partnership. However, their partnership couldn’t last long, as Bree Illing got a breakthrough in the fifth over to dismiss the Aussie captain on 19 off 17 balls.

Litchfield and Ellyse Perry tried their best to rebuild the inning but were dismissed on 45 and 33, respectively. With just 108 runs on the board, Australia were 3 wickets down at 17.2 overs.

Despite the fall of crucial wickets, Ashleigh Gardner rose to the occasion to play one of the best innings of her ODI career. Gardner started a counterattack and went to the 50-run mark at a steady pace.

However, she knew she needed more to ensure Australia finishes with a comfortable total. Ashleigh Gardner used every ounce of her experience to bring up a sensational century, finishing with 115 off just 83 balls before Illing dismissed her in the 47th over.

With small contributions from the lower middle order, Australia piled up 326 runs on the board. For New Zealand Women, Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu grabbed 3 wickets each, while Bree Illing and Amelia Kerr contributed with 2 wickets each.

Sophie Devin’s heroics in vain as the Aussies secure a thumping victory

In the second inning, New Zealand Women crumbled under pressure, losing both openers with zero runs on the board. First, Georgia Plimmer committed a blunder while running between the wickets, leading to her run out on a diamond duck. 

To add to the misery, Suzie Bates was cleaned up by Sophie Molineux on a 9-ball duck, and with that, Australia Women had the dreamiest start to the second inning.

To keep New Zealand alive in the chase, veteran batter and captain Sophie Devine took charge and fought like a warrior. She slammed a stunning century, hitting 112 off 112 balls with 12 fours and 3 sixes. Devine knitted a 75-run partnership with Amelia Kerr, followed by another 52-run stand with Brooke Halliday. 

However, the skipper sadly didn’t receive support from the other end. After Devine’s dismissal in the 43rd over, the Kiwis collapsed like a pack of cards. Annabel Sutherland picked 3 wickets in that same over, and New Zealand slipped from 235/7 to 237/10. 

For Australia, Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland grabbed 3 wickets, with Alana King assisting with 2 wickets. Australia Women bowled out New Zealand Women for 237 runs to seal a perfect 89-run victory.