Indore, Oct 1 (NationPress) Ashleigh Gardner’sNew Zealand in their Women’s ODI World Cup opener at Holkar Stadium. Following the match, Ashleigh expressed that her goal was to score on as many deliveries as possible.

"It was incredibly special. When I stepped onto the field, I had clear strategies in mind: get settled, focus on my strengths, and score on as many balls as I could. We knew we needed a substantial total; the venue is relatively small, and the pitch was excellent. Once I settled in, I aimed to capitalize on that. With 320 runs on the board, we had something substantial to defend," she stated after receiving the Player of the Match award.

Ashleigh’s innings, marking her first World Cup century and second overall in ODIs, was pivotal in Australia’s recovery. She struck 16 fours and a six at a strike rate of 138.55, becoming the first player to score a century batting at number six or lower in a women’s ODI World Cup.

"I strive to keep my game straightforward. Hitting boundary riders firmly and sprinting for runs really helps me get into my innings. If I can capitalize on those moments with boundaries, that's how I launch my innings," she added.

"Our batting lineup extends deep, allowing us the freedom and confidence to change the game even if we lose a few early wickets. I relish those high-pressure situations and aim to seize the game, hoping for success to follow," she remarked.

Ashleigh acknowledged Sophie Devine’s aggressive 112, stating, "Looking at how Sophie batted, she was exceptional and made it tough for our bowlers. I believe that scoring plenty of runs will be crucial throughout this World Cup."

Australia's captain Alyssa Healy commended Ashleigh’s maturity and the team's capability to post a formidable score despite being in a challenging position at 128/5. "While Sophie was batting, there was always a sense of unease, but I commend the girls for their resilience. We will reflect as a batting group on how we can improve our precision," she said.

"Gardner continues to evolve as a cricketer, which is impressive to witness. The ability of our middle and lower order to contribute runs in tough situations is vital. It’s also great that Sophie can bowl during the Power-play. Annabel finally found her rhythm and was rewarded for it," she added.

For New Zealand's captain Sophie, her ninth ODI century was a personal achievement, but the outcome left her feeling bittersweet. "It’s a bitter pill to swallow; I’d trade it all for a win. I’m proud of the fight this team showed. A couple of years ago, we might have given up easily. It's tough to digest right now," she reflected.

She also remarked that other batters made misjudgments in line and length assessments. "It reflects our group’s mindset to stay competitive. We perhaps misjudged our lines and lengths on a flat surface. The way players adapt and play their roles is what’s currently defining our team," she concluded.