Women’s World Cup [WATCH]: Amelia Kerr’s googly rattles Phoebe Litchfield’s stumps in AUS-W vs NZ-W game

Australia Women vs New Zealand Women clash at Indore in kicked off with high stakes as defending champions Australia took on the T20 World Cup holders New Zealand on October 1, 2025. This match was the second encounter of the prestigious ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 played under the lights at Holkar Stadium, Indore featuring a day-night format. Australia, a seven-time World Cup-winning side, arrived confident aiming to continue their title defence while New Zealand, led by experienced Sophie Devine, sought to make an early statement in the tournament.

Amelia Kerr cleans up Phoebe Litchfield with a brilliant googly during AUS -W vs NZ-W clash

New Zealand’s ace all-rounder Amelia Kerr made an immediate impact with the ball right from her very first delivery in the match. She stunned Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield with a perfect googly that pitched outside leg and turned sharply across the left-hander, rattling the stumps. This delivery not only removed a dangerous batter but also marked Kerr’s 100th wicket in Women’s One Day Internationals, making her the third New Zealand bowler to reach this elite milestone. Litchfield’s dismissal for a sparkling 45 off 31 balls came as a setback for Australia early in their innings. Kerr’s clever wrist spin and sharp variations pitched a major challenge to the Australian top order, showcasing her skill and experience in high-pressure matches.

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A perfect googly outside leg stump. 100th wicket for Amelia Kerr!

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Australia’s Wobbly start against New Zealand’s sharp bowling attack

Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start as New Zealand’s bowlers applied consistent pressure. Despite choosing to bat first, the Australians found runs hard to come by against disciplined bowling led by Kerr and Lea Tahuhu. At 22.1 overs, Australia was 134 for 5, reflecting a tumultuous start to their chase of a competitive total. Key Australian batters like and Ellyse Perry contributed with brisk knocks of 19 and 33 respectively, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Litchfield’s brisk 31-ball 45 was the standout performance at the crease before Kerr dismissed her from the very first ball she bowled. The pressure increased as lead bowlers used the conditions at a pitch that offered even bounce but some turn for spinners as the game progressed.

New Zealand’s tactical bowling approach with Kerr’s brilliant googly and Tahuhu’s disciplined spells kept Australia on the back foot, disrupting their momentum. Australia’s middle order struggled to build partnerships as New Zealand’s fielding and bowling combined to capitalize on any loose shots. The match swung towards a tense contest with the day-night conditions at Indore adding to the challenge. The Holkar Stadium pitch is known for favouring batters but New Zealand’s bowlers exploited it cleverly to keep the run rate in check and take crucial wickets when needed.

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