Welcome to our live coverage of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, featuring an exciting clash between Australia and New Zealand. Australian skipper Alyssa Healy won the toss at Holkar Stadium and elected to bat first in this crucial opening encounter.
A notable return for Australia is left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, who makes her way back into the playing XI after recovering from knee surgery. Her inclusion sees veteran pacer Megan Schutt miss out, as Australia opts for the raw pace of Darcie Brown alongside Kim Garth. The defending champions are eager to kick off their campaign on a high note in what is also a historic first women’s international match at this venue.
Captain Healy expressed her team’s strategy: “Just put some runs on the board and see what happens. There’s a possibility it could get better later but it didn’t happen last night. We played some really tough games of cricket in tough conditions. We’re ready to go. The group is in a great place. We’re looking at getting better at every single opportunity we get. We want to improve and take women’s cricket forward.”
On the other side, New Zealand enters this match after a six-month break from ODI cricket. Captain Sophie Devine admitted she would have also preferred to bat first but remained confident in her squad. “But fresh wicket, start of the tournament, not very concerned. I think we’ve got a great balance within the side. Experience through the batting order in Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer, a really balanced group.” Devine added, “Just grateful for the opportunity to come out here again and represent my country. It fills me with pride. Obviously results are important, but what matters most to me is the people around me.”
Playing XIs:
- Australia: Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Darcie Brown
- New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Bree Illing
Australia got off to a positive start, reaching 99 for 2 after 15 overs. Phoebe Litchfield played a breezy innings of 45 runs from just 31 balls before being bowled by Amelia Kerr, who made an immediate impact in her first delivery. Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney are currently at the crease, looking to build a substantial total.
Early in the innings, Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield provided quick runs, with Healy striking multiple boundaries. Bree Illing secured the first breakthrough for New Zealand, dismissing Healy for 19. Amelia Kerr then followed up with a crucial wicket, sending Litchfield back to the pavilion. New Zealand’s bowlers have managed to tighten things up slightly in recent overs, slowing Australia’s scoring rate after a brisk start.
The pitch report from Mel Jones and Aaron Finch suggested a “belter of a wicket” conducive to batting, with spinners potentially playing a key role later in the game. The atmosphere is electric as both teams vie for a strong start to their World Cup journey.