Indore : All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner smashed a scintillating 115 off 83 balls, including her remarkable Gardner 77-ball century, to power Australia to a daunting 326 all out in 49.3 overs against New Zealand in their 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup clash at Holkar Stadium on Wednesday. Moreover, her rapid scoring, highlighted by the Gardner 77-ball century, became the backbone of Australia’s innings.
Notably, the total set a new record as Australia’s highest-ever score against New Zealand in ODIs. It came even after a mid-innings wobble that saw them slip from 108/2 to 128/5 at the venue hosting its first women’s international game. However, Gardner’s blistering century turned the tide and restored momentum.
Ashleigh’s knock — her maiden World Cup ton and second in ODIs — stood as the centerpiece of Australia’s fightback. Smashing 16 fours and a six at a strike rate of 138.55, she stitched crucial partnerships of 64, 47, and 69 with Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, and Kim Garth. As a result, the Gardner 77-ball century anchored those recoveries and built a strong foundation.
Gardner struck the ball cleanly and punished every loose delivery. Consequently, her aggressive approach gave Australia’s bowlers a formidable total to defend. For New Zealand, pacers Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr bagged three wickets each, while Amelia Kerr and Bree Illing chipped in with two apiece.
Opting to bat first, skipper Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield set the tone with a brisk 81-run opening stand. In fact, Phoebe thrilled the electrified crowd with a rapid 45 off 31 balls. Alyssa fell at cover to Bree, while Phoebe lost her off-stump to a sharp googly from Amelia that turned away late.
Phoebe’s dismissal marked a milestone for Amelia, who celebrated her 100th wicket in Women’s ODIs. Therefore, the achievement made her only the third New Zealand bowler to reach the landmark. With Lea and Amelia combining for more breakthroughs, Australia looked in danger of collapsing.
Nevertheless, Gardner and the lower order launched a spirited counterattack that carried the total past 300 for the first time in this World Cup. With a quick outfield and short boundaries, New Zealand still hold a chance, yet they will need something extraordinary to chase 327 and break their ODI losing streak against Australia dating back to 2017.
Brief scores:
Australia 326 all out in 49.3 overs (Ashleigh Gardner 115, Phoebe Litchfield 45; Lea Tahuhu 3-42, Jess Kerr 3-59) vs New Zealand.
–IANS
