LIVE: Tahuhu delivers third blow in CWC25 clash

Leah Tahuhu turned the heat on Australia with her third strike for New Zealand in their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 opener at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, dismissing Tahlia McGrath.

Tahuhu snapped McGrath’s 64-run stand with Ashleigh Gardner, who contributed with a half century that carried Australia past 200. Having already removed Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, Tahuhu left Australia’s top order in tatters.

This was after Amelia Kerr piled on the pressure, chipping in with the wickets of Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield.

Litchfield’s dismissal marked Kerr's 100th in Women's ODIs, making her only the third player to cross the milestone for the White Ferns.

Earlier, playing in her first Cricket World Cup, Bree Illing removed Australia captain Alyssa Healy early on in New Zealand's opening game of the tournament.

Looking to drive the ball through the covers against the left-arm pacer, Healy would find Suzie Bates inside the circle as the White Ferns opened their account in the powerplay.

Earlier, Healy had won the toss and elected to bat first. The two teams are squaring up for the first-ever international women’s cricket fixture at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

Defending champions Australia arrive into the competition as one of the prime contenders for the title.

Having clinched the competitions seven times, Australia will eye their eighth trophy in India and Sri Lanka.

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Meanwhile, also having lifted the trophy previously, New Zealand also pose a challenge to the remaining teams at the marquee tournament.

The White Ferns had sealed their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title last year, and will be led by Sophie Devine, who will be playing in her fifth and final ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

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