Ash Gardner's century fuels Australia's 89‑run win over New Zealand

When Ash Gardner, Australian batter, smashed an unbeaten 115 at number six, Ash Gardner's historic century propelled the Australia women's cricket team to a formidable 326‑run total at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on 2 October 2025. The defending champions then bundled out the New Zealand women's cricket team for 237 in 43.2 overs, sealing an 89‑run victory in the second match of the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. The margin not only gave Australia a dream start to their title defence but also etched Gardner’s name into the record books in several unprecedented ways.

Match overview: a dominant display

Australia won the toss and elected to bat, a decision vindicated by a 326‑run on‑day that included six half‑centuries besides Gardner’s knock. Opening pair Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy laid a solid foundation, reaching 124 without loss. When the first wicket fell, the middle order kept the engine humming, but it was Gardner’s assault that turned the innings into a statement.

Her 115 came off 112 balls, featuring 13 fours and two sixes. The strike rate of 102.7 was remarkable for a lower‑order batter, especially in a World Cup final‑stage match. She became the first player to score a century from the number‑six position or lower in any women's World Cup, breaking a 23‑year‑old record previously held by Charlotte Edwards (who scored 102 at number six in 2005). Moreover, Gardner’s innings set the highest individual score ever recorded by a batter positioned between six and eleven in women’s ODIs.

Gardner’s record‑breaking knock

Gardner’s century was not an isolated flash of brilliance. Earlier this year, she struck 102 against England while batting at number six, making her the only woman in ODI history to register two centuries from the lower order. Her consistency has forced a tactical rethink among rivals: the traditional view that only top‑order batters can rescue a chase is now outdated.

She was awarded Player of the Match, a well‑deserved accolade that underscored her impact. In her post‑match interview, Gardner said, “I just tried to stay calm and play my natural game. When the team needed runs, I saw an opportunity and went for it.” Her composure under pressure mirrors that of senior campaigners, suggesting she could soon be a regular fixture in Australia’s leadership group.

Team performances: depth on both sides

Australia’s batting depth was evident. After Gardner’s dismissal at 275/5, the lower order added another 51 runs, with Megan Schutt contributing a quick‑fire 33 not out. The bowling unit, led by fast bowler Sophie Molineux, claimed three wickets for 38 runs, while spinner Rachael Haynes took two crucial middle‑order breakthroughs.

New Zealand, despite a solid top order that reached 150 before the first wicket, could not sustain the required run rate. Their captain, Sophie Devine, managed a gritty 58, but the loss of quick wickets at the death (including a run‑out off the final over) saw the chase crumble.

Historical context: the trans‑Tasman rivalry

This win marked Australia’s sixteenth consecutive ODI victory over New Zealand, a streak that began in 2015. In World Cup meetings, the Australian side now leads fourteen‑to‑three, with the current 89‑run margin ranking as their second‑largest win against the Kiwis in the tournament’s history. The dominance underscores a shift that began after Cricket Australia’s investment in women’s pathways in 2018, which has yielded a deeper pool of talent.

Experts note that the gap is narrowing at the junior level, but the experience differential still favors the Australian side. Former Australian captain Stella Campbell commented, “The Kiwi youngsters are hungry, but Australia’s senior core, especially players like Gardner, brings a level of composure that’s hard to match.”

Implications for the tournament

With a net run rate of +1.45 after this match, Australia sits atop Group A, headlining a schedule that includes clashes with England and South Africa before the knockout stages. The performance also sends a clear message to contenders: the lower order is now an offensive weapon, not just a defensive shield.

For New Zealand, the loss is a wake‑up call. Their batting coach, Lea Tahuhu, admitted, “We need to rethink our middle‑order strategy. The days when we rely solely on the top three are over.” The team will look to regroup ahead of their next group game against the West Indies, where a more aggressive approach may be required.

Key facts

• Australia posted 326/5 in 49.3 overs; New Zealand 237/9 in 43.2 overs.
• Ash Gardner’s unbeaten 115 is the first World Cup century from the number‑six position or lower.
• The win extends Australia’s ODI winning streak over New Zealand to 16 matches.
• Australia’s net run rate after the match stands at +1.45.
• Holkar Cricket Stadium (Indore) hosted its first women's World Cup match.

Looking ahead

Australia’s next challenge is a high‑stakes group encounter with England on 6 October. If the batting depth shown against New Zealand continues, the defending champions could well be on course for a third consecutive World Cup title. Meanwhile, Gardner’s breakthrough will likely see her touted as a future captaincy candidate, a role that could reshape leadership dynamics within the Australian camp.