A landmark hundred from Ash Gardner has provided soaring lift-off to Australia's World Cup defence as the champs downed New Zealand by 89 runs at Indore's Holkar Stadium. Spinner Sophie Molineux was superb on her return following a long injury absence, taking 3-25, and Annabel Sutherland, finally bowling Devine amid a burst of three wickets in four balls, proved Australia's ruthless finisher. "It was really special," enthused Gardner. I just try to take the game on, play the way that I do and then, hopefully, the success comes with it." Alana King's (2-44) legspin also proved important as she snuffed out the threat of Kerr (33 off 56) and Brooke Halliday (28 off 38).