When Annabel Sutherland, batter for Australia Women smashed a 78‑ball hundred, the result was a 169‑run rout of New Zealand Women at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on October 1, 2024. The win came in the second ODI of the ICC Women's Championship 2024-25, a tournament that doubles as the road to the 2025 World Cup in India.
Record‑breaking Hundred from the No. 5 Spot
The innings began with Alyssa Healy, captain and wicket‑keeper of Australia Women, winning the toss and electing to bat. "We'll have a bat and put runs on the board," she said before stepping onto the crease. After a solid start by Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry, Sutherland walked in at number 5 and made history – she became the first batter to notch consecutive ODI centuries from that position.
Sutherland's 100 came off just 78 deliveries, including 11 fours and 5 sixes. "I just kept thinking about the rhythm and the gaps," she recalled. The blast pushed the total to 291/7 in the full 50 overs, a score that left the New Zealand bowlers scrambling.
Match Summary and Key Performances
Australia’s batting line‑up was a parade of power and precision. Beth Mooney contributed a steady 45, while Ashleigh Gardner added a quick‑fire 30 off 22 balls. On the bowling side, Alana King claimed 2/34 and Darcie Brown returned figures of 2/28, keeping the pressure on New Zealand throughout.
New Zealand’s chase never got going. Sophie Devine, the New Zealand captain, was caught for a modest 15, and the top order sputtered. Amelia Kerr offered a glimmer of resistance with 38 runs, but a run‑out at 55 balls cut her momentum short. The final scoreboard read 122 all‑out in 30.1 overs, handing Australia a 169‑run victory – the biggest margin in the series.
- Australia Women: 291/7 (50 overs)
- New Zealand Women: 122 all‑out (30.1 overs)
- Margin: 169 runs
- Sutherland’s 78‑ball century – 100 runs, 11 fours, 5 sixes
- Man of the Match: Annabel Sutherland
Historical Context: Australia’s Dominance over New Zealand
Australia has long held the upper hand in women's ODIs against New Zealand. As of October 2024, the two sides have met 135 times, with Australia winning 102 encounters. The Kiwis’ last triumph came back in February 2017, meaning they’ve endured an eight‑year winless streak.
The previous series in December 2024 also ended 2‑0 in Australia’s favour, and the opening match of the current series was washed out by rain at the same venue. "We know they’re a quality side, but the gap has been widening," said former New Zealand all‑rounder Katey Martin, a commentator for Sky Sport.
Implications for the ICC Women's Championship
With the win, Australia bolsters its lead in the Championship standings, sitting comfortably atop the table. New Zealand, now on six points after the abandoned first game, remains in sixth place with 21 points. Every series win here translates directly into World Cup qualification points, so the margin matters.
"Every run, every point counts when you're eyeing a World Cup spot," noted Sophie Devine. The next big test for both sides will be the 2025 World Cup in India, where they are slated to meet again on October 1, 2025, at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
Looking Ahead: World Cup 2025 and Future Fixtures
Australia enters the World Cup qualifiers on a high – they’ve recently swept a bilateral series against hosts India, signalling they’re ready to defend their 2022 title. New Zealand, however, will be looking to break the streak and climb the table before the tournament.
Fans in India can catch the upcoming showdown on Star Sports and stream it via JioHotstar, according to local broadcasters. As the season progresses, the next series for both teams will be crucial in shaping the final qualification picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sutherland’s century impact Australia’s chances in the ICC Women's Championship?
The 78‑ball hundred not only secured a massive win but also added vital points to Australia’s tally. With 291 runs on the board, the side reinforced its lead, making the path to World Cup qualification smoother and giving them a psychological edge over rivals.
What does the result mean for New Zealand Women’s World Cup aspirations?
New Zealand remains in sixth place with 21 points, meaning they must win upcoming series to stay in contention. The heavy defeat highlights gaps in both batting depth and death‑over bowling that the Kiwis will need to address before the 2025 qualifiers.
When and where will Australia and New Zealand meet again?
The two sides are scheduled to clash at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, India, on October 1, 2025, during the ICC Women’s World Cup. That venue will host a high‑stakes encounter with both teams eyeing the title.
Who were the standout bowlers for Australia in the match?
Alana King (2/34) and Darcie Brown (2/28) led the Australian attack, consistently hitting the right lengths and forcing the New Zealand batters into uncomfortable positions, especially in the middle overs.
How did weather affect the series?
Rain washed out the first ODI at the Basin Reserve, making the second match a decisive fixture. The damp conditions early on also contributed to a slightly slower pitch, favoring bowlers before the Australians accelerated the scoring rate.
