Australia Women's National Cricket Team vs New Zealand Women's National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Ashleigh Gardner’s commanding century and a disciplined bowling effort helped defending champions Australia defeat New Zealand by 89 runs in their ICC Women’s World Cup opening match at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Gardner scored 115 to anchor Australia after a mini collapse. The hosts reached 326 all out in 49.3 overs after choosing to bat first. Annabel Sutherland took three wickets for 26 runs while Sophie Molineux (3/25) and Alana King (2/44) also troubled the New Zealand batters.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine fought hard with a 111-ball 111, including 12 fours and three sixes. But the target of 327 proved too steep. New Zealand lost early wickets and were reduced to 0 for 2 in 1.3 overs after a mix-up and Molineux’s wicket. The White Ferns struggled to build partnerships and crawled to 100 for 3 at the halfway stage.
Devine and Brooke Halliday added 52 runs for the fourth wicket but Halliday was dismissed by King. New Zealand were 164 for 5 by the 35th over and despite a late flurry from Devine and Isabella Gaze, they could not recover. Devine fell in the 43rd over as Australia completed a comprehensive victory.
Australia lost wickets early despite a brisk start. Openers Alyssa Healy (19) and Phoebe Litchfield (45) put on a good start before Litchfield fell to Amelia Kerr. Gardner came in at 113 for 4 and rebuilt the innings with partnerships of 64 with Tahia McGrath and 69 with Kim Garth. Australia added 74 runs in the final overs before being bowled out.
Sutherland, Molineux and King took key wickets while Jess Kerr removed three batters from the lower order.
