Ashleigh Gardner smashed the third-fastest century in Women’s Cricket World Cup history as defending champions Australia began their title defense with an 89-run win over New Zealand on Wednesday.
Gardner scored 115 off 83 balls, including 16 fours and a six, as Australia posted 326 runs in 49.3 overs — the highest total by any team against New Zealand in Women’s World Cups. Phoebe Litchfield provided a rapid start with 45 off 31 balls, before Gardner’s explosive innings powered the hosts at Holkar Stadium during their first-ever women’s ODI at the venue.
In reply, New Zealand struggled from the start and were bowled out for 237 in 43.2 overs despite skipper Sophie Devine’s 111. Medium pacers Sophie Molineux (3-25) and Annabel Sutherland (3-26) shared six wickets to stifle the visitors.
Abhishek’s fearless rise and Suryakumar’s stand mark India’s Asia Cup win
“I had a clear plan when I came in — to score as many runs as possible,” Gardner said, named player of the match. “We bat deep, so we had the confidence to play freely. Setting a big total first is going to be a trend this World Cup.”
Australia will face Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday, while New Zealand meets South Africa in Indore on Monday. Gardner’s 77-ball century and Devine’s 36-year-old hundred highlighted a thrilling contest, as Australia extended their ODI winning streak against New Zealand to 16 matches.
Source: AP