Ash Gardner smashed the third-fastest century in Women's Cricket World Cup history as Australia launched their title defence with an 89-run win over New Zealand.

Gardner's 115 off 83 balls featured 16 fours and a six as she became the first player to score a World Cup century from sixth in the batting order.

It inspired Australia to post 326 in 49.3 overs, the highest total ever against New Zealand in the tournament, surpassing England's 284-9 in 2017.

Phoebe Litchfield set the tone with a brisk 45 off 31 balls, striking six fours and two sixes on her World Cup debut, but her dismissal left Australia on 81-2 as New Zealand triggered a middle-order wobble.

Lea Tahuhu (3-42) removed Ellyse Perry (33) and Beth Mooney (12) in quick succession, later returning to dismiss Tahlia McGrath (26)

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