Australia power past New Zealand in Women's Cricket World Cup

Ashleigh Gardner starred for Australia with the bat, crafting a sparkling second ODI hundred as the White Ferns bled 326 runs – the heaviest tally ever conceded in meetings between the sides.

The allrounder produced a masterclass in rescue and destruction in compiling her 115 in Indore, first steadying the ship at 128-5 and then going hell for leather in the closing overs to help Australia set a daunting target.

Gardner, one of the few Indigenous Australians to don national colours, unfurled elegant cover drives and wristy flicks that split the field regularly.

Her innings wasn't all classy stroke-making, though, as Gardner showed no hesitation in striding down the pitch to deposit spinners over mid-on and mid-off with disdain.

"It was really special. We had lost a few wickets at that stage and it was important that we didn't get bogged. So we took the attack onto the opposition and I suppose that gamble paid off," Gardner said.

"We like to play with freedom. We know that we bat deep so we could take those chances. The ball wasn't moving much, so we focused on running hard between the wickets," the 28-year-old added.

Her 115 off just 83 balls, laced with 16 fours and a six, had the New Zealanders chasing leather all afternoon.

Much was expected from New Zealand, fresh from their T20 World Cup triumph last year, but the 50-over format proved a different kettle of fish, demanding staying power rather than a quick burst.

The White Ferns made a horror start in pursuit of 327, losing both openers for ducks, with Georgia Plimmer suffering the ignominy of a diamond duck, run out without facing a ball.

Australia, seven-time champions, reminded everyone why they are the team to beat, boasting not just batting depth but also bowling variety and electric fielding. Two sharp run-outs summed up their clinical edge.

Sophie Devine, the New Zealand skipper bidding farewell after this campaign, waged a lone battle with a typically pugnacious 111 – her ninth ODI ton.

Yet it was a case of a lone warrior fighting a lost cause, with little support from her teammates.

In the process, Devine also joined an elite club, becoming only the fourth New Zealander to pass 4 000 runs in ODIs.

"It's bittersweet to be fair, I'd throw it all away to make sure we won," Devine said of her knock.

Legspinner Amelia Kerr also had a good game bagging her 100th ODI wicket, foxing Phoebe Litchfield with a well-disguised googly to join an exclusive club of New Zealand bowlers.

Together with elder sister Jess, the Kerrs claimed five Australian wickets.

Barcelona, Spain

30/09/2025 - 18:49 (UTC + 2)

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Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique compared Barcelona midfielder Pedri Gonzalez to fictional wizard Harry Potter and said he hopes the Spaniard doesn't "bring his wand" to Wednesday's Champions League clash.

Luis Enrique highlighted both teams' desire to keep the ball and play attacking football ahead of the league phase game at the Olympic stadium, with Pedri a vital cog of Barca's midfield engine.

The 22-year-old Canary Islander was also key for Luis Enrique's Spain side which reached the Euro 2020 semifinals.

"I think Pedri knows me very well because of the national team, and he knew what we were trying to do," Luis Enrique told a news conference Tuesday.

"I said about Pedri a while ago he is Harry Potter, and I hope that tomorrow he doesn't bring his magic wand.

"We'll try to do everything we can so he participates as little as possible."

PSG are waiting to find out if midfielders Vitinha, Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz, and winger Bradley Barcola will be fit to play, while forwards Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are out.

Luis Enrique said despite PSG's multiple absences he was trying to stay positive, and noted Hansi Flick's Barcelona are also missing players, including Gavi and Fermin Lopez.

"You need to stay positive all the time, it's easy to be negative. It's unfortunate to have a Barcelona (vs) PSG match with five or six important players for Barca and PSG who are not going to play.

"For me, for Hansi Flick, it's a shame, and for the supporters of both teams."

Luis Enrique played for Barcelona from 1996 to 2004 and later coached the team, leading them to the treble in 2015.

The Spaniard said he was delighted to be back visiting his former side and admired Flick's team.

Luis Enrique's PSG beat Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona in the Champions League in 2024 and the coach criticised their style and compared them to Spanish minnows Eibar, playing a long-ball game.

"I don't think comparing (Xavi and Flick's sides) is the right thing to do, not comparing teams or coaches, because these are totally different situations," said Luis Enrique.

"All I have to say is I have loved Hansi Flick's Barca from the start, I think they connect with the idea of football that Barca hold.

"He's clearly a high-level coach, he goes on the attack, uses attacking players, knows how to defend well, keeps a high line and presses at a high level...

"It's a team I love, I love to watch, you know I'm a Barca fan, a club member, and I will be all my life, I see all their games and I love watching the team because they entertain me."