Sophie Molineux struck early in spectacular fashion to hand Australia the upper hand against New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup 2025 clash. The left-arm spinner send veteran opener Suzie Bates back for a duck, shaking New Zealand’s top order. Bates, New Zealand’s most experienced batter, looked to break the shackles but instead paid the price for an ambitious shot. The dismissal left the White Ferns in deep trouble, as they lost two wickets without a single run on the board. Australia’s celebrations roared across the Holkar Stadium in Indore as Molineux made an instant impact.

AUS-W vs NZ-W: Sophie Molineux castles Suzie Bates to grab her maiden World Cup wicket

Molineux delivered a classic spinner’s dismissal that will be remembered for its sheer precision and timing. Bowling only her third ball of the spell, she floated the delivery full and wide outside off, inviting Suzie Bates into the drive. The New Zealand opener, eager to get going after facing several dots, leaned into the shot but reached out in front of her body. That slight misjudgment gave the ball enough time to sneak back in sharply. It brushed the inside edge of Bates’ bat and cannoned straight into middle and off, sending the stumps cartwheeling.

The sight of Bates bowled for a duck sent shockwaves through the New Zealand camp and jubilation into the Australian ranks. For Molineux, it was not just a wicket but her first ever in Women’s World Cup cricket, a milestone moment that arrived with the dismissal of one of the game’s greats. The crowd erupted as Australia tightened their stranglehold with New Zealand collapsing to 0/2 in the very first over. Bates, with her vast experience, was expected to anchor the chase, but her early departure left the White Ferns shaken and searching for answers.

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CWC 2025: Ashleigh Gardner’s heroics and early blows put Australia on top against New Zealand

Australia stamped their authority so far in the 2nd match of World Cup 2025 at Indore, thanks to a magnificent innings from Ashleigh Gardner and a fiery new-ball spell that rocked New Zealand early. After being asked to bat first, Australia posted a commanding 326 in 49.3 overs, with Gardner producing one of the finest knocks of her career, a counterattacking 115 off 83 balls, laced with 16 fours and a six. She received handy support from Phoebe Litchfield (45 off 31), who provided the early acceleration, and Kim Garth (38 off 37), who added crucial lower-order runs.

Despite regular breakthroughs from New Zealand’s bowlers, especially Lea Tahuhu (3/42) and Jess Kerr (3/59), Australia’s batting depth ensured a total beyond the 300-run mark. In reply, New Zealand endured a disastrous start, losing Georgia Plimmer and Bates for ducks, leaving them reeling at 0/2 within two overs. Molineux claimed the prized wicket of Bates, celebrating her maiden World Cup breakthrough, while a sharp run-out accounted for Plimmer. Currently, Amelia Kerr (31) and skipper Sophie Devine (27) are attempting to rebuild, taking the score to 62/2 in 16 overs.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.