Sophie Devine’s ninth ODI century was not enough as Australia began their World Cup journey with a dominant 89-run victory in Indore on Thursday. The win was set up by Ash Gardner, who smashed her second ODI hundred with a fiery 115 off 83 balls.
Ash Gardener smashes a blistering knock
Australia opted to bat first and came out with an aggressive approach from the outset. Despite some movement offered to New Zealand’s new-ball bowlers, Phoebe Litchfield showed confidence, dispatching Jess Kerr and Bree Illing for early boundaries. Although Alyssa Healy departed cheaply, Australia had already stamped their authority on the innings, racing to 81 runs in the opening ten overs.
Litchfield’s promising knock ended on 45 when she misread Amelia Kerr’s googly and was bowled. Following her dismissal, Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry tried to steady the innings but failed to accelerate, allowing New Zealand to claw back. By the 22nd over, the defending champions had been pushed on the back foot with the scoreboard reading 128 for 5.
It was then that Ash Gardner shifted momentum with her counterattack, receiving valuable support from Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, and Kim Garth. Gardner reached her fifty in style by launching Amelia over long off before shifting gears further. Her century came in the 46th over with a sparkling boundary off Devine, although her innings ended soon after when she toe-ended a catch to the keeper. Australia eventually finished with a strong total of 326, helped by late contributions, with Jess Kerr adding a couple of quick wickets at the end.
Sophie Devine's century goes in vain
New Zealand’s reply began on a disastrous note. They lost both openers without a run on the board, with Georgia Plimmer run out in the opening over and Suzie Bates bowled for a duck soon after by Molineux. These early jolts left them under immense pressure in a steep chase on a surface that offered plenty for batters.
The experienced pairing of Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr attempted to rescue the innings, putting together a steady partnership to ease the nerves. By the 10th over, Amelia found her rhythm, striking Darcie Short for three boundaries in quick succession. As the stand grew in value, so did New Zealand’s scoring rate, but Amelia’s dismissal while attempting to loft Alana King stalled the momentum once again.
From that point, Devine fought a lone battle, keeping her side afloat with a determined run-a-ball century. Contributions from Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, and Izzy Gaze added some resistance but lacked the substance to support their captain in a meaningful chase. Devine’s innings finally ended on 112 when Annabel Sutherland bowled her, and with her departure, New Zealand’s hopes faded. The innings folded in the 44th over for 237, giving Australia a comfortable 89-run win.
Brief Scores: Australia 326 in 49.3 overs (Ash Gardner 115, Phoebe Litchfield 45; Lea Tahuhu 3-42, Jess Kerr 3-59) beat New Zealand 237 in 43.2 overs (Sophie Devine 112, Izzy gaze 28; Sophie Molineux 3-25, Annabel Sutherland 3-26) by 89 runs