Indore: Defending champions Australia began their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 89-run win over New Zealand, bowling them out for 237.
New Zealand never found momentum in the chase despite a valiant effort from Sophie Devine, who struck a fighting 112 off 112 balls. Once she departed, Australia’s bowlers wrapped things up quickly with Sophie Molineux (25-3) and Annabel Sutherland (26-3) sharing the last five wickets to seal a comprehensive victory while Alana King (44-2) also bagged crucial wickets.
Sutherland turned the tide decisively in Australia’s favour, claiming three wickets in a single over. Along with Devine, she also removed Jess Kerr and Eden Carson, leaving New Zealand with little resistance in the closing stages.
New Zealand’s struggles deepened when Maddy Green was run out after another mix-up, the second such dismissal of the innings. The setback came soon after King had struck twice, removing Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday to break crucial partnerships, leaving Sophie Devine short of support at the other end.
New Zealand's chase of 327 began on a disastrous note as they lost two wickets inside the first two overs with Georgie Plimmer and Suzie Bates out for ducks.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Ashleigh Gardner (115 of 83 balls) steered Australia past the 300 mark after a shaky start against New Zealand with her second ODI ton which arrived at a crucial stage when wickets were tumbling regularly. The defending champions eventually closed their innings with 326 runs on the board.
Earlier in the first innings, New Zealand had Australia reeling thanks to Leah Tahuhu (42-3). She dismissed Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney before removing Tahlia McGrath, breaking a 64-run partnership with Gardner. Amelia Kerr (54-2) added to the pressure, claiming the wickets of Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield. Jess Kerr (59-3) claimed the last three wickets for New Zealand while Breearne struck with two wickets, including that of Gardner.
Litchfield’s wicket was a milestone moment for Kerr, as it brought up her 100th in Women’s ODIs, making her only the third New Zealand bowler to reach the landmark.
Earlier, playing in her first Cricket World Cup, Bree Illing removed Australia captain Alyssa Healy early on in New Zealand's opening game of the tournament.
Looking to drive the ball through the covers against the left-arm pacer, Healy would find Suzie Bates inside the circle as the White Ferns opened their account in the powerplay.
Earlier, Healy had won the toss and elected to bat first. The two teams are squaring up for the first-ever international women’s cricket fixture at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Defending champions Australia arrive into the competition as one of the prime contenders for the title.
Having clinched the competitions seven times, Australia will eye their eighth trophy in India and Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, also having lifted the trophy previously, New Zealand also pose a challenge to the remaining teams at the marquee tournament.
The White Ferns had sealed their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title last year, and will be led by Sophie Devine, who will be playing in her fifth and final ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
