In the heart-pounding AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2, defending champions Australia showcased their unbeatable depth, cruising to an 89-run triumph over New Zealand in Indore. Ashleigh Gardner’s blazing century turned the tide, while Sophie Devine’s valiant hundred couldn’t save the White Ferns from a tough defeat. This clash at Holkar Cricket Stadium marked Australia’s strong start to their title defense, blending aggressive batting and tight bowling on a pitch that promised runs but tested resilience.
If you’re a cricket fan wondering how Australia keeps dominating women’s cricket, this detailed recap dives deep into every twist. From early fireworks to nail-biting moments, we’ve got the full story. Stick around for highlights, stats in easy-to-read tables, and expert insights that make sense even if you’re new to the game.
Match Overview and Historical Context
The AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 was more than just a game—it was a chapter in the fierce trans-Tasman rivalry. Played on October 1, 2025, at Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium (hosting its first women’s ODI), this day-night encounter drew 8,900 fans under clear skies. The pitch was flat and batting-friendly, offering early swing for bowlers but turning into a run-fest as the innings progressed. Some balls kept low later, adding unpredictability.
Australia, the six-time champions, entered as favorites after a dominant run, including 16 straight completed ODI wins over New Zealand since February 2017. New Zealand, led by Sophie Devine, aimed to upset the odds but struggled with early collapses. This was the second match of the tournament, following India’s win over Sri Lanka, setting a tone for high-scoring affairs.
Key facts at a glance:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 1, 2025 |
| Venue | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore |
| Toss | Australia won and elected to bat |
| Result | Australia won by 89 runs |
| Player of the Match | Ashleigh Gardner (115 off 83 balls) |
| Attendance | 8,900 |
| Umpires | Gayathri Venugopalan, Sue Redfern |
| Third Umpire | Sarah Dambanevana |
| Match Referee | Michell Pereira |
Historically, Australia has owned this matchup in World Cups, winning the last four encounters since New Zealand’s 2009 victory. The game highlighted women’s cricket’s growth—big totals, solo heroics, and tactical depth. Who do you think will challenge Australia this tournament? Australia, India, or an underdog like New Zealand? Share in the comments!
For more on the tournament’s background, check our internal guide on ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Visit the ICC official site for live standings.
Toss, Team News, and Pre-Match Strategies
Winning the toss can be a game-changer in World Cups—how crucial do you think it was here? Australia captain Alyssa Healy called correctly and chose to bat first, eyeing a big total on the batsman-friendly surface. New Zealand would’ve preferred bowling first but adapted quickly.
Team lineups brought surprises. Australia welcomed back Sophie Molineux after a 12-month injury layoff, replacing Megan Schutt with Darcie Brown for extra pace. Kim Garth opened the bowling, a tactical shift for powerplay wickets after struggles in the India series.
New Zealand debuted left-arm pacer Bree Illing, adding variety to their attack. Amelia Kerr hit her 100th ODI wicket milestone, boosting morale.
Australia’s strategy: Aggressive top-order play with depth allowing freedom. New Zealand focused on spin control post-powerplay and quick wickets to expose the middle order.
Here’s the playing XIs in a table for quick reference:
| Australia Women XI | New Zealand Women XI |
|---|---|
| Alyssa Healy (c & wk) | Sophie Devine (c) |
| Phoebe Litchfield | Suzie Bates |
| Ellyse Perry | Georgia Plimmer |
| Beth Mooney | Amelia Kerr |
| Annabel Sutherland | Brooke Halliday |
| Ashleigh Gardner | Maddy Green |
| Tahlia McGrath | Isabella Gaze (wk) |
| Sophie Molineux | Jess Kerr |
| Kim Garth | Lea Tahuhu |
| Alana King | Eden Carson |
| Darcie Brown | Bree Illing |
Pre-match buzz on social media (from X posts and reports) highlighted Gardner’s all-round potential and Devine’s leadership. Follow us for previews on upcoming games like Australia vs Sri Lanka.
Australia’s Batting Masterclass: From Powerplay to Collapse
Australia’s innings in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 started like a rocket. What makes their powerplay so explosive? Phoebe Litchfield (45 off 31, 6 fours, 2 sixes) and Alyssa Healy (19 off 17, 3 fours) raced to 81/1 in 10 overs—their best against New Zealand in recent World Cups.
Litchfield danced down the track, smashing boundaries off Jess Kerr and Bree Illing. Healy fell early, caught at mid-off off Illing, but the tone was set. Ellyse Perry (33 off 41, 5 fours) joined, steadying with elegant drives.
Then came the twist: Amelia Kerr’s googly bowled Litchfield, marking her 100th ODI wicket. New Zealand squeezed, conceding just 20 runs in overs 11-17. Lea Tahuhu sparked a collapse, dismissing Perry caught at mid-off.
Annabel Sutherland (5 off 8) holed out to Kerr at mid-on, and Beth Mooney (12 off 21) tamely chipped to cover off Tahuhu. From 81/1, Australia slumped to 128/5 by over 22. Tahuhu (3/42) and Kerr (2/54) shone, mixing pace and spin.
Full scorecard for Australia’s innings:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alyssa Healy (c & wk) | 19 | 17 | 3 | 0 | 111.76 |
| Phoebe Litchfield | 45 | 31 | 6 | 2 | 145.16 |
| Ellyse Perry | 33 | 41 | 5 | 0 | 80.49 |
| Beth Mooney | 12 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 57.14 |
| Annabel Sutherland | 5 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 62.50 |
| Ashleigh Gardner | 115 | 83 | 16 | 1 | 138.55 |
| Tahlia McGrath | 26 | 34 | 3 | 0 | 76.47 |
| Sophie Molineux | 14 | 19 | 1 | 1 | 73.68 |
| Kim Garth | 38 | 37 | 5 | 0 | 102.70 |
| Alana King | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 57.14 |
| Darcie Brown | 1* | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | 14 (lb 2, w 10, nb 2) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 326/10 (49.3 overs) | – | – | – | RR: 6.59 |
Fall of wickets table:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Healy) | 40 | 4.6 |
| 2 (Litchfield) | 81 | 10.1 |
| 3 (Perry) | 108 | 17.2 |
| 4 (Sutherland) | 113 | 18.4 |
| 5 (Mooney) | 128 | 21.2 |
| 6 (McGrath) | 192 | 31.6 |
| 7 (Molineux) | 239 | 37.5 |
| 8 (Gardner) | 308 | 46.3 |
| 9 (King) | 325 | 49.1 |
| 10 (Garth) | 326 | 49.3 |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls | Batters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 40 | 30 | Healy (19), Litchfield (21) |
| 2nd | 41 | 31 | Litchfield (24), Perry (17) |
| 3rd | 27 | 43 | Perry (16), Mooney (10) |
| 4th | 5 | 8 | Mooney (0), Sutherland (5) |
| 5th | 15 | 16 | Mooney (2), Gardner (11) |
| 6th | 64 | 64 | Gardner (36), McGrath (26) |
| 7th | 47 | 35 | Gardner (30), Molineux (14) |
| 8th | 69 | 52 | Gardner (38), Garth (26) |
| 9th | 17 | 16 | Garth (12), King (4) |
| 10th | 1 | 2 | Garth (0), Brown (1) |
Australia crossed 100 in 15.4 overs, 200 in 32.3, and 300 in 46. The last 15 overs yielded 138 runs, showing resilience.
Gardner’s Heroics and Lower-Order Depth
Enter Ashleigh Gardner in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2—Australia’s savior. At 128/5, Gardner (115 off 83, 16 fours, 1 six) unleashed a counterattack that’s now legendary in women’s cricket analysis 2025.
She started with a punch over extra cover, punishing loose balls through covers and down the ground. Fifty came off 43 balls with a six off Kerr over long-off. Wickets fell—Tahlia McGrath (26 off 34) caught off Tahuhu—but Gardner accelerated, reaching her century off 77 balls with a boundary off Devine.
Kim Garth (38 off 37, 5 fours) at No. 9 added 69 runs, epitomizing Australia’s depth. Sophie Molineux (14 off 19) chipped in earlier. Gardner’s knock ended toe-ending to Gaze off Illing, but 326 was posted.
This recovery mirrored India’s from 124/6 to 270 the day before. Gardner’s aggression vs spinners? Masterful. Is she the new all-round queen of Australia Women’s cricket team performance? Her key shots:
- Punch over extra cover for first boundary.
- Dance down to Kerr for six (fifty).
- Drive off Devine for century.
For video highlights, check ICC’s clip.
New Zealand’s Bowling Efforts: Highlights and Shortcomings
New Zealand’s bowlers had moments of brilliance in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 but leaked in the death. Could they have held Australia under 300?
Lea Tahuhu (3/42 in 8 overs) was standout, triggering the collapse with Perry, Mooney, and McGrath. Her bounce and movement exploited the middle order.
Amelia Kerr (2/54 in 10 overs) controlled with googlies, flight—her googly to Litchfield was a gem, her 100th wicket. Jess Kerr (3/59 in 8.3) mopped the tail.
Bree Illing (2/75 in 9) impressed on debut with swing, dismissing Healy and Gardner. But Sophie Devine (0/55 in 8) and Eden Carson (0/39 in 6) went expensive.
Death overs cost 75 runs; line/length lapses punished. Devine admitted post-match: “We leaked a few at the back end but felt 326 was chaseable.”
Top bowlers rated:
- Tahuhu: 9/10 – Pace and wickets.
- Kerr: 8/10 – Control and milestone.
- Jess Kerr: 7/10 – Late strikes.
Bowling figures table:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bree Illing | 9 | 0 | 75 | 2 | 8.30 |
| Jess Kerr | 8.3 | 0 | 59 | 3 | 6.90 |
| Sophie Devine | 8 | 0 | 55 | 0 | 6.90 |
| Amelia Kerr | 10 | 0 | 54 | 2 | 5.40 |
| Lea Tahuhu | 8 | 0 | 42 | 3 | 5.20 |
| Eden Carson | 6 | 0 | 39 | 0 | 6.50 |
ESPN Cricinfo bowling stats for more.
New Zealand’s Valiant Chase: Devine’s Lone Fight
Chasing 327 in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 needed a miracle. How do early wickets derail a chase? New Zealand learned the hard way, slumping to 0/2.
Georgia Plimmer run out without facing (mix-up with Bates), Suzie Bates (0 off 9) bowled by Molineux. At 36/2 after powerplay, pressure mounted.
Amelia Kerr (33 off 56, 5 fours) and Devine rebuilt with 75 runs. Kerr cut loose off Brown (three boundaries in over 10) but fell to King at cover.
Scorecard for New Zealand’s innings:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzie Bates | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Georgia Plimmer | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Amelia Kerr | 33 | 56 | 5 | 0 | 58.93 |
| Sophie Devine (c) | 112 | 112 | 12 | 3 | 100.00 |
| Brooke Halliday | 28 | 38 | 2 | 1 | 73.68 |
| Maddy Green | 20 | 18 | 2 | 0 | 111.11 |
| Isabella Gaze (wk) | 28 | 18 | 6 | 0 | 155.56 |
| Jess Kerr | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Lea Tahuhu | 1* | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Eden Carson | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Bree Illing | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | 13 (lb 9, w 4) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 237/10 (43.2 overs) | – | – | – | RR: 5.47 |
Fall of wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Plimmer) | 0 | 0.6 |
| 2 (Bates) | 0 | 1.3 |
| 3 (Kerr) | 75 | 19.1 |
| 4 (Halliday) | 127 | 29.6 |
| 5 (Green) | 164 | 34.5 |
| 6 (Gaze) | 218 | 40.4 |
| 7 (Devine) | 235 | 42.1 |
| 8 (J. Kerr) | 236 | 42.3 |
| 9 (Carson) | 236 | 42.4 |
| 10 (Illing) | 237 | 43.2 |
They reached 50 in 12.1 overs, 100 in 24.3, 200 in 38.1.
Devine’s Masterclass Amid Wickets
Sophie Devine’s hundred in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 was pure grit. At 36 years and 30 days, it’s the third-oldest World Cup ton.
Devine (112 off 112, 12 fours, 3 sixes) held firm, fifty off 69 balls with a six off Gardner. Partnerships: 52 with Halliday (28 off 38, holed out to King), 37 with Green (20 off 18, run out), 54 with Gaze (28 off 18, caught off Molineux).
Rate climbed to 10+ by over 30. Devine smashed four boundaries off Brown in over 36, six over midwicket for century (107 balls). But Sutherland’s over 43: Devine bowled, Jess Kerr bowled, Carson lbw—three wickets for one run.
Last four wickets fell for two runs. Devine’s key boundaries:
- Pump over sightscreen off Gardner (first six).
- Four consecutive off Brown to 90s.
- Maximum over deep midwicket for ton.
Was Devine’s ton enough to inspire? It showed fight, but lack of support hurt.
See ICC video of Devine’s century.
Australia’s Bowling Dominance and Match-Defining Moments
Australia’s attack was ruthless in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2. Sophie Molineux (3/25 in 8.2, comeback after injury) shared new ball with Garth (0/34), striking early.
Annabel Sutherland (3/26 in 9) was economical, her triple-wicket over 43 game-changing—only fourth in World Cup history. Alana King (2/44 in 8) broke partnerships.
Gardner (0/47) and Brown (0/52) pressured. Healy praised middle-over control: “Didn’t give much away.”
Timeline of moments:
- Over 1: Plimmer run out.
- Over 2: Bates bowled.
- Over 19: Kerr caught.
- Over 30: Halliday out.
- Over 43: Sutherland’s triple strike.
Bowling figures:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Garth | 8 | 1 | 34 | 0 | 4.20 |
| Sophie Molineux | 8.2 | 1 | 25 | 3 | 3.00 |
| Darcie Brown | 4 | 0 | 52 | 0 | 13.00 |
| Annabel Sutherland | 9 | 1 | 26 | 3 | 2.90 |
| Alana King | 8 | 1 | 44 | 2 | 5.50 |
| Ashleigh Gardner | 6 | 0 | 47 | 0 | 7.80 |
What makes Australia’s attack unbeatable? Depth and variety.
Post-Match Reactions, Awards, and Statistical Breakdown
Ashleigh Gardner earned Player of the Match for her century. “It was special… Love pressure situations,” she said.
Sophie Devine: “Bittersweet… Proud of the fight. Total was chaseable.”
Alyssa Healy: “Never felt comfortable with Devine batting… Proud of Ash.”
Expert Abhishek Jhunjhunwala (Test Match Special): “Australia professional despite wobble.”
Stats roundup table:
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Biggest NZ WC defeat margins | 186 vs IND (2017), 141 vs AUS (2022), 89 vs AUS (2025) |
| Triple wickets in over (WC) | Kapp (2017 x2), Ranaweera (2025), Sutherland (2025) |
| AUS streak vs NZ | 16 consecutive ODIs |
| Oldest WC hundred | Bevege (39y 48d, 1982), Brittin (38y 161d, 1997), Devine (36y 30d, 2025) |
| 50+ stands vs AUS in WC | 4 (ENG 2022), 3 (NZ 2025) |
Brief scores: AUS 326 (Gardner 115, Litchfield 45; Tahuhu 3-42) beat NZ 237 (Devine 112, Gaze 28; Molineux 3-25, Sutherland 3-26) by 89 runs.
Agree with Gardner as POTM? Vote below!
Expert Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, and World Cup Implications
In women’s cricket analysis 2025, Australia’s performance screams favorites. Strengths: Batting depth (Garth at 9 scoring 38), bowling variety, recoveries like 128/5 to 326.
Weaknesses: Top-order fragility—dismissals need precision, as Healy noted.
New Zealand: Devine’s leadership shines, but top-order collapses (0/2) and death bowling leaks hurt. Pros: Fightback spirit, Kerr’s milestones. Cons: Lack of partnerships, conservative middle overs.
Comparisons: Like India’s recovery vs SL, shows favorites’ edge. Implications: Australia tops points with +1.780 NRR; NZ at bottom with -1.780. NZ must fix openers vs SA; AUS adapts in Colombo vs SL.
Points table (as of Oct 2, 2025):
| Team | M | W | L | PT | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +1.780 |
| India | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +1.255 |
| Sri Lanka | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -1.255 |
| New Zealand | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -1.780 |
| Others | 0 | – | – | – | – |
Will NZ bounce back? Australia looks unstoppable.
Conclusion: Australia’s Strong Start in ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
Australia’s 89-run win in AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 sets the benchmark. Gardner’s epic century and team depth overwhelmed Devine’s defiance. This thriller underscores women’s cricket’s thrill—big scores, comebacks, heroes.
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Frequently Asked Questions: AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2
1. Who Won the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2?
Australia Women dominated the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2, securing a convincing 89-run victory over New Zealand. Defending champions Australia posted 326/10, while New Zealand managed 237/10. This result extended Australia’s unbeaten streak against New Zealand to 16 ODIs, highlighting their superior depth in women’s cricket.
2. What Was Ashleigh Gardner’s Performance in the Australia vs New Zealand Women’s World Cup Recap?
Ashleigh Gardner delivered an epic century in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2, scoring 115 off 83 balls with 16 fours and 1 six. Coming in at 128/5, her aggressive knock rescued Australia and earned her Player of the Match. Gardner’s strike rate of 138.55 showcased her all-round prowess in women’s cricket analysis 2025.
3. How Did Sophie Devine Perform in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Highlights?
Sophie Devine shone with a valiant hundred in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2, scoring 112 off 112 balls (12 fours, 3 sixes). Despite her ninth ODI century—the third-oldest in World Cup history at 36 years and 30 days—it went in vain as New Zealand fell short. Devine’s effort underlined her leadership in the Australia vs New Zealand Women’s World Cup recap.
4. What Was the Final Score in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2?
In the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2, Australia scored 326/10 in 49.3 overs, powered by Ashleigh Gardner’s century. New Zealand replied with 237/10 in 43.2 overs, led by Sophie Devine’s hundred. Australia won by 89 runs, marking one of New Zealand’s biggest World Cup defeats in recent years.
5. Where Was the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 Between AUSW and NZW Played?
The AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 took place at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, India. This venue hosted its first-ever women’s ODI on October 1, 2025, with 8,900 fans in attendance. The batting-friendly pitch favored high scores but offered early swing, as seen in the match highlights.
6. Who Was the Player of the Match in AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025?
Ashleigh Gardner was named Player of the Match in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 for her match-winning 115. Her counterattacking century from a precarious position exemplified Australia’s resilience. Gardner later said, “Love coming in those pressure situations,” boosting her status in women’s cricket.
7. What Are the Key Highlights from Australia’s Batting in the AUSW vs NZW Match?
Key highlights from Australia’s batting in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 include Phoebe Litchfield’s explosive 45 (6 fours, 2 sixes) in the powerplay and Ashleigh Gardner’s century. Despite a mid-innings collapse to 128/5, lower-order contributions like Kim Garth’s 38 helped reach 326. This depth is a hallmark of Australia Women’s cricket team performance.
8. How Did New Zealand’s Chase Unfold in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2?
New Zealand’s chase in the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 started disastrously at 0/2, with early wickets of Georgia Plimmer (run out) and Suzie Bates (duck). Sophie Devine’s hundred offered hope, but Annabel Sutherland’s triple-wicket over sealed a collapse to 237. The required rate ballooned, ending their hopes despite valiant efforts.
9. What Is the Current Points Table After AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2?
After the AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2, Australia leads with 2 points and +1.780 NRR. India follows with 2 points (+1.255 NRR), while New Zealand sits at 0 points (-1.780 NRR). Sri Lanka has 0 points (-1.255 NRR). Other teams like England and South Africa are yet to play, per the latest standings.
10. What Are the Implications for Both Teams After the AUSW vs NZW Match in Women’s World Cup 2025?
The AUSW vs NZW ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match 2 win boosts Australia’s title defense, showcasing their depth for upcoming games like vs Sri Lanka. Australia vs New Zealand Women’s World Cup recap For New Zealand, the loss exposes top-order vulnerabilities, pressuring them to rebound against South Africa. This result reinforces Australia as favorites in women’s cricket analysis 2025, while NZ needs quick fixes.