Holkar stadium indore

ODI World Cup: Sophie Devine’s valiant 112 went in vain as Australia began their title defence in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup with a commanding 89-run win over New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium here on Wednesday.

Chasing a daunting 327, New Zealand were cruising at 218/5 before being bowled out for 237 in 43.2 overs, with Sophie’s 112 off 112 balls, laced with 12 fours and three sixes, being the lone highlight for the White Ferns. During the course of her innings, she became the fourth woman to bring up 4,000 women’s ODI runs for New Zealand.

For Australia, returning left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux and seam-bowling all-rounder Annabel Sutherland claimed three wickets apiece to dismantle the Kiwi batting order. Earlier, Australia had posted a formidable 326 all out in 49.3 overs, thanks to Ashleigh Gardner’s scintillating 115 and strong contributions from the lower-order.