The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 saw its first Trans-Tasman clash turn into an absolute spectacle as Australia outclassed New Zealand by 89 runs. The match had everything — fiery spells, a captain’s century, and a counterpunching masterclass from Ashleigh Gardner that changed the course of the game.
Australia were asked to bat first and found themselves in early trouble at 128/5 after steady contributions from Phoebe Litchfield (45 off 31) and Ellyse Perry (33 off 41) ended prematurely. The Kiwis, led by Lea Tahuhu (3/42) and Jess Kerr (3/59), had their tails up. But Ashleigh Gardner produced one of the finest World Cup knocks, blasting 115 off 83 balls. Supported by cameos from Kim Garth (38 off 37) and others down the order, she powered Australia to a daunting 326 in 49.3 overs.
In reply, New Zealand endured a nightmare start, slipping to 0/2 inside the first over, with Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer dismissed for ducks. Captain Sophie Devine, however, stood tall in resistance. Her heroic 112 gave the White Ferns faint hopes of an upset, aided by small but useful partnerships with Amelia Kerr (33 off 56), Brooke Halliday (28 off 38) and Isabella Gaze (28 off 18). But Annabel Sutherland (3/26) and Sophie Molineux’s (3/25) disciplined spells broke the Kiwi backbone, bowling them out for 237 in 43.2 overs.
Highlights from the match:
Ashleigh Gardner – 115 (83) & 0/47 (6)
Ashleigh Gardner was the undisputed star of the game and fittingly she won the Player of the match award. Walking in with her side at 113/4, she launched a sensational counterattack that turned the innings on its head. Her 115 came off just 83 deliveries at a strike rate of 138.55, laced with 16 fours and 1 six. Gardner’s fearless strokeplay ensured Australia crossed the 300-mark despite regular wickets at the other end. With the ball, though slightly expensive (0/47 in 6 overs) it was her match-defining knock that rightly earned her the spotlight.
Lea Tahuhu – 3/42 (8)
For New Zealand, Lea Tahuhu was the pick of the bowlers. She bowled with discipline and sharp bounce, claiming 3/42 in her 8 overs. Her prized scalps included the experienced Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, and Tahlia McGrath, removing all of them at crucial stages to halt Australia’s momentum. Later with the bat, she was left stranded on 1* off 2 as wickets crumbled around her. Tahuhu’s fiery spell stood out in what was otherwise a tough day for the Kiwi bowlers.
Sophie Devine – 111 (112)
Captain Sophie Devine produced a lone warrior act in New Zealand’s chase. Her majestic 111 off 112 balls, decorated with 12 fours and 3 sixes, kept her side’s hopes alive deep into the innings. Devine showed immense grit, stitching key partnerships with Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday and Isabella Gaze, but received little support after her dismissal at 235/7. Her innings was a masterclass in pacing a chase, but unfortunately for New Zealand, it wasn’t enough to overhaul Australia’s massive total.
Annabel Sutherland – 5 (8) & 3/27 (9)
Annabel Sutherland may not have sparkled with the bat, dismissed cheaply for just 5 runs, but she made a resounding impact with the ball. Earlier in New Zealand’s batting innings, her sharp fielding led to Georgia Plimmer’s run out. Then with the ball she returned figures of 3/26 in her 9 overs, she ripped through New Zealand’s middle order, including the crucial wicket of Sophie Devine at the perfect moment. Her control and accuracy not only dried up the runs but also broke partnerships, effectively sealing the game for Australia.
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