Indore, Oct 22 (NationPress) Ashleigh Gardner delivered a remarkable performance with an unbeaten 104 runs, while Annabel Sutherland contributed an impressive 98 not out, guiding Australia to a dominant six-wicket victory over England. This triumph at the Holkar Stadium propelled Australia to the top of the points table in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.

The duo's extraordinary partnership of 180 runs, comprising Ashleigh's 16 boundaries and Annabel's nine fours and a six, rescued Australia from a difficult position of 68/4, successfully chasing down the target with 57 balls remaining.

Despite England's early dominance, quickly taking four wickets, the Ashleigh-Annabel combination executed a counter-attacking display that showcased both power and precision, making it one of the tournament's most memorable partnerships.

Annabel, who had faced challenges earlier in the tournament, stepped up magnificently, outpacing Ashleigh for much of their partnership until Ashleigh accelerated in the final moments, reaching her century in just 22 balls post-fifty—a stunning display of skill as she continued her excellent form.

Earlier, the pair also contributed with the ball as Alana King’s impressive spell of 1-20 in 10 overs hindered England's progress, limiting them to 244/9, despite a solid 78 from Tammy Beaumont and a crucial seventh-wicket partnership of 61 runs between Alice Capsey (38) and Charlie Dean (26).

Even after a strong start, England's bowlers struggled to maintain pressure once the fifth-wicket partnership of Annabel and Ashleigh took charge, leading Australia to victory. Both teams had already secured their spots in the semi-finals, but the outcome reinforced Australia's reputation for finding match-winners under pressure and rising to the occasion.

England's bowling began promisingly with Lauren Bell producing a superb delivery that dismissed Phoebe Litchfield for just one run. They struck again when Georgia Voll misjudged a shot and lost her wicket.

Linsey Smith delivered another blow to Australia's chase when Ellyse Perry fell for 13, leaving Australia at 46/3, their worst power-play performance in the tournament.

Beth Mooney and Annabel attempted to stabilize the innings with a 44-run partnership before Mooney was caught for 20 just before the drinks break.

Annabel continued her impressive innings by driving Charlie Dean for four and hitting a six off Linsey Smith, reaching her fifty in 66 balls with a brilliant shot.

Despite England bringing back Lauren, she was unable to contain Annabel, who continued to score freely. Ashleigh was also in fine form, scoring her half-century in just 47 balls.

The duo kept racking up boundaries, with Ashleigh reaching her century through a thick edge that sped to the boundary. Annabel was dropped on 97 by Heather Knight but remained not out at 98, while Ashleigh finished the match in style, ensuring Australia maintained their unbeaten record in the tournament.

Earlier, after a promising 54-run opening partnership, England faltered as Australia tightened their grip. Despite Tammy's strong innings, England's middle-order collapse saw them slide from 90/1 to 166/6. Late contributions from Alice and Charlie salvaged some momentum, but it fell short against Australia’s clinical performance.

Summary of scores:

England: 244/9 in 50 overs (Tammy Beaumont 78, Alice Capsey 38; Annabel Sutherland 3-60, Ashleigh Gardner 2-39) lost to Australia: 248/4 in 40.3 overs (Ashleigh Gardner 104 not out, Annabel Sutherland 98 not out; Linsey Smith 2-43, Lauren Bell 1-48) by six wickets.

–IANS