Indore/Patiala, 02 October (Sports Desk)
Australia Women won by 89 runs
Australia Women kicked off their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 89-run victory over New Zealand Women in the second match at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on October 1, 2025. Batting first after winning the toss, Australia recovered from 128/5 to post a formidable 326 all out in 50 overs, powered by Ashleigh Gardner’s magnificent 115 off 83 balls—her maiden ODI century. Phoebe Litchfield (45) provided a solid start, but Lea Tahuhu’s 3/42 triggered a middle-order wobble. In the chase, New Zealand were bowled out for 237 in 43.2 overs despite Sophie Devine’s heroic 111 (her ninth ODI ton). Australia’s spinners, led by Sophie Molineux (3/25) and Annabel Sutherland (3/26), dismantled the innings with a triple-wicket over in the 43rd. Gardner (3/25) also shone with the ball. Gardner was Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance. Australia top the points table with a +1.78 net run rate, while New Zealand (0-1) face a tough group stage ahead.
This win extends Australia’s ODI dominance over New Zealand (37-24), setting a strong tone for the defending champions.
Toss and Playing XIs
- Toss: Australia Women won and elected to bat first (to set a big total on a batsman-friendly pitch).
- Australia Women XI: Alyssa Healy (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath (c), Alana King, Sophie Molineux, Darcie Brown, Megan Schutt. (Impact Sub: Jess Jonassen—used for spin options.)
- New Zealand Women XI: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Brooke Halliday, Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green (c), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Hannah Rowe, Molly Penfold. (Impact Sub: Rosemary Mair—used for pace.)
watch…..India Women Defeat England Women by 6 Wickets in 4th T20I to Clinch Series 3-1
Australia Women Innings: 326 all out (50 overs)
New Zealand Women Innings: 237 all out (43.2 overs, target 327)
Match Context and Key Notes
- Tournament Impact: Australia (1-0) lead with +1.78 NRR; New Zealand (0-1) face England next. Australia, defending champions, aim for a record sixth title; New Zealand seek redemption after 2022 semi-final loss.
- Milestones: Gardner’s 115 is Australia’s highest in a WC opener (beats Perry’s 112*, 2017); Devine’s 111 her 9th ODI ton. Sutherland’s triple-wicket over 2nd in WC history.
