INDORE, India (AP) — 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.

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 111.

Medium pacers Sophie Molineux (

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