Sophie Devine scored one of the most remarkable centuries of her illustrious career, but it wasn’t enough to take New Zealand over the line in Match 2 of the Women’s World Cup 2025 against Australia. The New Zealand skipper brought her vast experience to the fore as she slammed her ninth ODI hundred to keep her team alive in the massive run chase of 327 on Wednesday, October 1, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.
The 36-year-old scored a scintillating 112 (112), with the help of 12 fours and three sixes, fighting a lone battle against the defending champions. Despite her valiant effort, New Zealand got bundled out for 237 in 43.2 overs, handing Australia an 89-run victory to get their title defence off to a winning start.
Women’s World Cup: Australia vs New Zealand Updates
Set a massive target to chase, New Zealand got off to the worst possible start, with Georgia Plimmer being dismissed for a diamond duck, courtesy of a run out in the very first over. Things only went downhill for the White Ferns as they lost the veteran Suzie Bates for a nine-ball duck after Sophie Molineux dismantled her stumps.
After the two early blows, Devine joined Amelia Kerr at the crease and the duo stabilised the innings with their 75-run stand off 106 balls for the third wicket. She brought up her half-century off 69 balls and gradually accelerated to keep up with the climbing required run rate.
Despite failing to find any support from the other end, Devine took on the Australian bowling and completed her century in 107 balls. Her sensational innings was finally brought to an end, as she lost her stumps against Annabel Sutherland (3/26) in the 43rd over. Following her dismissal, Sutherland and Sophie Molineux (3/25) cleaned up New Zealand’s tail to set up a massive win for Australia.
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