Ashleigh Gardner played a match-winning innings, scoring an unbeaten century, as the defending champions thrashed New Zealand by 89 runs (PTI Photo) Australiaâ€s seasoned all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner played a match-winning innings, scoring an unbeaten century, as the defending champions thrashed New Zealand by 89 runs in their ICC Womenâ€s World Cup opener on Wednesday. Gardnerâ€s 115-run knock came off just 77 balls and marked her second ODI century, rescuing Australia from a middle-order wobble and helping them post a formidable 326 all out in 49.3 overs after electing to bat first.The Australian bowling attack, led by Annabel Sutherland (3/26) and supported by the spin duo of Alana King (2/44) and Sophie Molineux (3/25), then restricted New Zealand to 237 in 43.2 overs, securing a comprehensive win.New Zealand captain Sophie Devine fought valiantly, scoring 111 off 112 balls, featuring 12 fours and three sixes, but the chase of 327 proved beyond the White Ferns. The visitors suffered an early collapse, losing two wickets without scoring in the first 1.3 overs, including a run-out mix-up between Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates.Despite some resistance from Devine and Brooke Halliday (28), who added 52 for the fourth wicket, New Zealand struggled to keep pace with the required run rate. By the 35th over, they were 164/5, needing over 10 runs per over. Devineâ€s partnership with Isabella Gaze offered glimpses of hope, but the effort fell short as Devine was dismissed in the 43rd over.Australiaâ€s innings had begun brightly, with Alyssa Healy (19) and Phoebe Litchfield (45) providing a brisk start, though early wickets brought the team to 113/4 by the 19th over. Gardner then took control, building crucial partnerships of 64 with Tahlia McGrath (26) and 69 with Kim Garth (38), steering Australia to a strong total.From 252/7 after 40 overs, Australia added 74 more runs, eventually being bowled out in the 50th over. Jess Kerr claimed three late wickets for New Zealand, but the target had long been out of reach.Gardnerâ€s commanding innings and a disciplined bowling performance ensured Australia began their World Cup title defense in emphatic fashion, sending a strong message to the competition.
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