Women’s World Cup: Ashleigh Gardner shines while Australia beat New Zealand by 89 races | Cricket news
The experienced versatile of Australia, Ashleigh Gardner, played a winning round of the match, marking an undefeated century, while the reigning champions beat New Zealand by 89 points in their first match of the CPI World Cup. The 115 -point stroke of Gardner was released only 77 bullets and marked its second century ODI, saving Australia from an intermediate oscillation and helping them to display a formidable 326 all in 49.3 Overs after choosing to beat first.The Australian bowling attack, led by Annabel Sutherland (3/26) and supported by the Alana King (2/44) and Sophie Moline (3/25) spin duo, then restricted New Zealand at 237 in 43.2 Overs, guaranteeing a complete victory.New Zealand captain Sophie Devine fought valiantly, marking 111 out of 112 balls, with 12 four and three, but the pursuit of 327 proved beyond the white ferns. Visitors underwent an early collapse, losing two counters without scoring in the first 1.3 Overs, including a mixture of runoff between Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates.Despite some guessing resistance and Brooke Halliday (28), which added 52 for the fourth counter, New Zealand had trouble keeping the rate of the required execution rate. In 35th place, they were 164/5, needing more than 10 points per more. Devine’s partnership with Isabella Gaze offered glimpses of hope, but the effort failed to reject the 43rd.The sleeves of Australia had started alive, Alyssa Healy (19) and Phoebe Litchfield (45) providing a quick start, although the first counters brought the team to 113/4 by the 19th. Gardner then took control, establishing crucial partnerships of 64 with Tahlia McGrath (26) and 69 with Kim Garth (38), leading Australia to a strong total.From 252/7 after 40 overs, Australia added 74 additional points, finally being moved in the 50th. Jess Kerr claimed three late counters for New Zealand, but the target had long been out of reach.Gardner’s commanding sleeves and a disciplined bowling performance assured that Australia began their defense of the World Cup in a categorical manner, sending a strong message to competition.
