Can Ashleigh Gardner's 77-ball Century Propel Australia Against New Zealand?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at Holkar Stadium, Ashleigh Gardner's explosive century sets Australia up for a formidable total. With New Zealand needing to chase down 327, will they rise to the challenge or falter against the mighty Australians? Discover the highlights and pivotal moments from this exciting Women’s World Cup clash!
Key Takeaways
- Ashleigh Gardner's century was pivotal for Australia's total.
- Australia's score of 326 is their highest against New Zealand in ODIs.
- New Zealand bowled well in patches but struggled to contain the Australian batting.
- Amelia Kerr's milestone wicket adds to her growing reputation.
- New Zealand faces a tough chase to secure a win against Australia.
Indore, Oct 1 (NationPress) All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner delivered an impressive performance, scoring 115 runs off 83 balls, leading Australia to a formidable total of 326 all out in 49.3 overs during their 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup match against New Zealand at Holkar Stadium on Wednesday.
This remarkable total marks Australia's highest score ever against New Zealand in ODIs, after facing a mid-innings slump that saw them drop from 108/2 to 128/5 at this historic venue hosting its inaugural women's international match.
Ashleigh's innings, which is her first World Cup century and second in ODIs, became the backbone of Australia’s recovery. With an impressive strike-rate of 138.55, she struck 16 fours and 1 six, forming vital partnerships of 64, 47, and 69 with Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, and Kim Garth.
With her clean striking and ability to capitalize on loose balls, Ashleigh ensured that Australia's bowlers had a substantial total to defend. For New Zealand, pacers Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr each secured 3 wickets, while Amelia Kerr and Bree Illing contributed with 2 wickets each.
Choosing to bat first, captain Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield set an aggressive tone with an opening partnership of 81 runs, with Phoebe electrifying the crowd by scoring 45 runs off 31 balls. Alyssa fell to Bree’s bowling while Phoebe was bowled by a googly from Amelia.
Phoebe's wicket was significant as it marked Amelia's 100th wicket in Women’s ODIs, making her the third New Zealand bowler to achieve this milestone. With Lea and Amelia combining for three more wickets, Australia found themselves in jeopardy of a low total.
However, Ashleigh and the tailenders mounted a brilliant counterattack, propelling Australia past the 300-run mark for the first time in this competition. The fast outfield and short boundaries keep the chase feasible, but New Zealand will need a standout performance to chase down 327 and secure their first ODI victory over Australia since 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) against New Zealand
Point of View
It's clear that Australia showcased their dominance with a stellar performance led by Ashleigh Gardner. Her remarkable innings not only highlights her potential as a game-changer but also sets a high standard for the competition. As we progress through the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, it will be intriguing to see how other teams adapt and respond to Australia’s prowess on the field.
NationPress
01/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ashleigh Gardner's contribution in the match?
Ashleigh Gardner scored an impressive 115 runs off 83 balls, leading Australia to a total of 326.
How did Australia perform against New Zealand in this match?
Australia posted a formidable total of 326 all out, which is their highest score against New Zealand in ODIs.
Who were the standout bowlers for New Zealand?
Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr each took three wickets, while Amelia Kerr and Bree Illing took two wickets apiece.
What was the significance of Amelia Kerr's wicket of Phoebe Litchfield?
It marked Amelia Kerr's 100th wicket in Women’s ODIs, making her only the third New Zealand bowler to achieve this milestone.
What does Australia’s total mean for New Zealand's chase?
New Zealand needs to score 327 runs to win, marking a challenging target to achieve against a strong Australian side.
