Ash Gardner struck a superb lower-order century as Australia began the defence of their Women's World Cup title with an 89-run victory over New Zealand in Indore. The all-rounder helped her side recover after they slipped to 128-5, striking 115 from 83 balls as the seven-time champions piled up 326. She hammered 12 fours and three sixes in her run-a-ball 112, but became the first of three New Zealand wickets to fall in Annabel Sutherland's 43rd over as Australia snuffed out any chance of an opening defeat. However the 22-year-old was bowled by Melie Kerr with the first ball of the 11th over, and Australia's charge stalled until Gardner's arrival. Devine's innings started slowly as she rebuilt with a 75-run pairing with Kerr, but she accelerated as New Zealand reached the 42-over mark needing 91.