Australia begin CWC25 with big win despite Devine's defiance
The defending ICC Women's Cricket World Cup champions secured an emphatic win over New Zealand in their first game.
Defending champions Australia began their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 89-run win over New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Wednesday, bowling them out for 237.
New Zealand were unable to find momentum in the chase, despite a valiant effort from Sophie Devine, who struck a fighting 112 off 112 balls - a knock comprising 12 fours and three maximums.
Once she departed, Australia’s bowlers wrapped things up quickly with Sophie Molineux (3/25) and Annabel Sutherland (3/26) sharing the last five wickets to seal a comprehensive victory while Alana King (2/44) also bagged a brace.
Sutherland turned the tide decisively in Australia’s favour, claiming three dismissals in a single over. Along with the big wicket of Devine, she also removed Jess Kerr and Eden Carson, leaving New Zealand with little resistance in the closing stages.
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Australia's World Cup campaign off to a winning start | Match Highlights | CWC25
Australia seal a dominant win over New Zealand in their first game at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025.
The White Ferns' 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.
However, walking in at 0-2, Sophie Devine offered New Zealand hope in their big chase, standing firm even as wickets tumbled around her.
Their struggles would deepen 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.
Devine brings up a defiant ton against Australia | CWC25
Sophie Devine hits a maximum to bring up a spectacular century against Australia in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 opener.
Earlier, having won the toss and opted to bat first, Australia were steered past the 300 mark by Ashleigh Gardner (115 of 83 balls), who notched her second ODI ton. The knock came at a crucial stage, with the Aussie wickets tumbling at regular intervals.
Gardner however, stitched the first century of the ongoing tournament, an innings laced with 16 fours and a six.
This, after New Zealand had Australia reeling thanks to Leah Tahuhu (3/24) and Melie Kerr's (2/54) efforts with the ball.
100 ODI wickets for Melie Kerr | CWC25
New Zealand's ace all-rounder Melie Kerr removes Phoebe Litchfield off her first ball in ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 to pick her 100th ODI wicket.
While Tahuhu dismissed Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney before removing Tahlia McGrath, Kerr added to the pressure, claiming the wickets of Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield.
Litchfield’s wicket was a major milestone for Kerr, as it brought up her 100th in Women’s ODIs, making her only the third New Zealand bowler to reach the landmark.
With Australia five wickets down for 128, Gardner would combine with Tahlia McGrath to add 64 runs for the sixth wicket before coming into her own and propelling Australia to a daunting total, and an eventual win.
Ash Gardner's stunning ton powers Australia to win | Aramco POTM Highlights | CWC25
Ash Gardner produced the first century of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 to be adjudge the Aramco Player of the Match in Australia's win over New Zealand.
Defending champions Australia, one of the prime contenders for the title, will look to bag their second win when they take on Sri Lanka in Colombo on October 4. Meanwhile, New Zealand will once again play at the Holkar Stadium as they look to regroup against South Africa on October 6.
