Co-hosts Australia laboured initially in the absence of injured captain Sam Kerr but a second-half penalty from Steph Catley got them off to a solid start at the Women's World Cup with a 1-0 win over Ireland in Group B on Thursday.

Women's World Cup: Steph Catley penalty gives Sam Kerr-less Australia winning start, 1-0 win over Ireland

Australia captain and forward Sam Kerr was ruled out of two games of the Women's World Cup, including the opener against Ireland on Thursday, after sustaining a calf injury in training a day earlier.

Women's WC: Australia captain Sam Kerr to miss two games, including opener against Ireland due to calf injury

Australia defeated Ireland by 42 runs in the T20 World Cup 2022 on Monday (October 31) to move to the second spot on Group 1 points table with five points from four matches.

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