Fri Dec 20 22:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Wellington Weather Washes Out New Zealand-Australia ODI Opener
**WELLINGTON, New Zealand –** The opening One Day International (ODI) between New Zealand and Australia has been abandoned without a ball bowled due to inclement weather in Wellington. The match, part of the crucial ICC Women’s Championship, leaves both teams frustrated in their bid for automatic qualification to the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Australia, already qualified for the World Cup, aims to secure top spot in the Championship with victory in the remaining two matches. India, currently trailing Australia by 10 points, still has six games and remains in contention for the top spot. Meanwhile, New Zealand, winners of the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, needs to improve its sixth-place standing in the Championship to avoid the qualifying tournament. Only the top six teams automatically qualify for the 2025 World Cup. Thursday’s washout leaves the race for qualification wide open.
First Piper 