CWC 2025: Devine Ton in Vain as Gardner’s Masterclass Leads Australia Past New Zealand

  • October 1, 2025

The clash in Indore during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 showcased contrasting performance levels, as Australia Women triumphed over New Zealand Women by 89 runs in the tournament’s second fixture. Ashleigh Gardner achieved a milestone with a remarkable century at the No. 6 position, propelling the Australian team to a formidable score of 326. In reply, Sophie Devine showcased resilience with a brilliant century; however, a strategic bowling display spearheaded by Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland cemented Australia’s control, dismissing New Zealand for 237 in 43.2 overs.

CWC 2025: Ashleigh Gardner’s century sparks Australian dominance

Australia chose to bat at the beginning, which led to a swift commencement thanks to Alyssa Healy (scoring 19 off 17 deliveries) and Phoebe Litchfield (securing 45 off 31 deliveries) before New Zealand retaliated through the bowling efforts of Lea Tahuhu and Amelia Kerr. By the 22nd over, the Australian team was struggling with a score of 128/5; however, Gardner then demonstrated exceptional skill. Entering at No. 6, she played a forceful, counter-attacking innings, amassing 115 runs from just 83 balls, which included 16 fours and a six. Collaborations alongside Tahlia McGrath (26), Sophie Molineux (14) and Kim Garth (38) ensured the momentum was sustained by the Australian team, despite regular breakthroughs from New Zealand’s bowlers. Tahuhu (with figures of 3/42) and Jess Kerr (securing 3/59) put in strong efforts, but Gardner’s bold and aggressive play guided Australia past the 300-run threshold, eventually reaching 326 in 49.3 overs, a score that immediately placed pressure on New Zealand.

CWC 2025: Sophie Devine’s heroics for New Zealand not enough against clinical Aussie attack

In pursuit of 327 runs, New Zealand’s batting order encountered early difficulties as Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer were dismissed without adding to the score, resulting in a precarious situation at 0/2 by the second over. Amelia Kerr (contributing 33 runs) attempted to provide stability in partnership with Devine, but consistent loss of wickets undermined their attempts. Devine, however, displayed great character, playing an outstanding innings of 111 runs from 112 deliveries, blending finesse and power with 12 fours and 3 sixes. Support came from Brooke Halliday (28) and Isabella Gaze (scoring 28 off 18 balls), who briefly raised New Zealand’s chances through aggressive cameos. Nevertheless, the increasing run rate required and the disciplined bowling by the Australian side proved to be pivotal. Sophie Molineux (taking 3/25), Annabel Sutherland (capturing 3/26), and Alana King (with 2/44) successfully dismantled the middle and lower order, ensuring Devine’s exceptional performance was ultimately in vain. New Zealand was eventually bowled out for 237 in 43.2 overs, securing an 89-run victory for Australia and gaining them two critical World Cup points.

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This article was initially available at WomenCricket.com, which is under the Cricket Times umbrella.

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