Holders Australia rout New Zealand at eve's cricket World Cup match

Ashleigh Gardner struck the third-fastest century in the Women's Cricket World Cup as Australia began its title defense by beating New Zealand by 89 runs on Wednesday.

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Gardner scored 115 runs off 83 balls with 16 fours and a six as Australia notched up 326 runs in 49.3 overs. It was the first-ever century from a batter at No. 6 or lower in the tournament's history.

Phoebe Litchfield scored 45 off 31 balls to give a quickfire start to Australia, before Gardner used the good batting conditions to help the defending champions light up the Holkar stadium in its first-ever women's ODI.

In reply, New Zealand made a rocky start and never recovered in the tall chase - bowled out for 237 runs in 43.2 overs despite skipper Sophie Devine's Ill.