Australia Triumphant Over New Zealand in Women’s World Cup Opener

Indore, India – In a thrilling opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Australia defeated New Zealand by 89 runs on October 1, 2025. Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner played a pivotal role, scoring 115 runs off just 83 balls, leading her team to a total of 326.

The match kicked off with Australia choosing to bat first after winning the toss. Despite an early setback, losing four wickets for 128 runs, Gardner’s explosive batting helped turn the tide for Australia. Her century not only stabilized the innings but also marked a significant milestone as she became the top scorer of the match.

New Zealand’s Sophie Devine also shone with the bat, scoring 111 runs, but her efforts fell short as the team could only manage 237 runs in 43.2 overs. The chase began shakily for New Zealand, losing Georgia Plimmer to a run-out without facing a ball, and Suzie Bates fell for a duck soon after.

A strong bowling performance from Australia, featuring Molineux’s return with three wickets for 25 runs, kept the pressure high on the New Zealand batters. Australia’s bowlers worked in tandem, not allowing New Zealand to establish a rhythm.

“It was great to see us fight back and put out such a performance,” said Gardner after the match. The victory not only boosts Australia’s confidence as the defending champions but sets a high bar for their upcoming matches in the tournament.

With the win, Australia begins their World Cup campaign on a strong note, while New Zealand will need to regroup ahead of their next match. The match took place in front of a supportive crowd of 8,900 at the Indore stadium, marking its first women’s ODI.