The whole of Australia with an experienced Ashleigh Gardner Playing the scene of the game, scoring the unbeaten century, as the defending champions beat New Zealand with 89 walking at their women’s ICC World Cup opener on Wednesday. The 115-led gardner beats only 77 balls and marks the century of his two-century, saving Australia from the middle shakes and helping them broadcast 326 great in 49.3 overs after choosing for the first.The Australian Bowling attack, led by Annabel Sutherland (3/26) and supported by Spin Duo Alana King (2/44) and Sophie Molineux (3/25), then limited New Zealand to 237 in 43.2 overs, gaining comprehensive victory.New Zealand captain Sophie Devine fought boldly, scoring 111 out of 112 balls, featuring 12 and three and three, but chasing 327 has proven to go beyond white ferns. Visitors suffered early collapse, losing two wickets without scoring in the first 1.3 overs, including a mix between Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates.Despite a few games from Devine and Brooke Halliday (28), adding 52 to the fourth goal, New Zealand is struggling to follow the required rates. By -35, they were 164/5, requiring more than 10 runs each. Devine’s partnership with Isabella Gaze offered a glimpse of hope, but the effort fell short when Devine was rejected in the 43rd.The Australian scene has begun to brighten, with Alyssa Heary (19) and Phoebe Litchfield (45) gave a quick start, though the early wicket brought the 113/4 team to the19th. Gardner then dominated, building an important partnership of 64 with Tahlia McGrath (26) and 69 with Kim Garth (38), directing Australia to a strong number.From 252/7 after 40 overs, Australia added 74 more runs, finally launched at 50th. Jess Kerr claims three late wickets for New Zealand, but the target has long been unable to reach.Gardner’s conflict and disciplined bowling performance ensured that Australia started their defense of their World Cup title with firm fashion, sending a strong message to the competition.
