Indore, October 1, 2025 – Australia Women stormed to an emphatic 89-run victory over New Zealand in Match 2 of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (WCWC) 2025 at Holkar Stadium, Indore. The defending champions showcased their depth and balance, making a strong early statement in their campaign.
Batting first on a flat Indore surface, Australia put together a commanding total of 326. Despite losing Alyssa Healy and key batters in quick succession to a spirited spell from Amelia Kerr and Lea Tahuhu, partnerships at crucial intervals kept the innings alive. The standout performance came from Ashleigh Gardner, who hammered a blistering 115 off just 83 balls, guiding her team out of early trouble and ensuring momentum never dipped. Contributions from Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry added substance, while New Zealand’s bowlers, though effective in patches, struggled to contain the scoring rate.
In reply, New Zealand endured a nightmare start, slumping to 0/2 inside two overs. Sophie Devine fought valiantly with a fighting century, ably supported by Amelia Kerr in a 75-run stand, but the chase was always out of reach. The Australians tightened their grip through Alana King and Gardner, who bowled cleverly in the middle overs, breaking partnerships and applying relentless pressure. Eventually, New Zealand folded for 237, falling well short of the daunting target.
At the post-match ceremony, skipper Alyssa Healy praised Gardner’s maturity and highlighted the improvements in their Powerplay bowling, an area that had troubled them in previous series. She noted Annabel Sutherland’s accuracy and Alana King’s breakthroughs as key turning points. New Zealand captain Sophie Devine admitted her side lacked control in the backend overs and rued missed opportunities but applauded her players for fighting on a flat wicket.
Player of the Match Gardner called her innings “special” and suggested totals above 300 may become the benchmark in this tournament. Her century not only stabilized the innings but also underlined Australia’s ability to seize control under pressure.
With this victory, Australia extended their dominance over New Zealand, securing their 16th straight ODI win against the White Ferns. The champions now look ahead to their next clash in Colombo, aiming to build momentum as their World Cup defence gathers pace.