Ashleigh Gardner's First ODI Century Leads Australia to 86-Run Victory Over England in Women’s Ashes
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Synopsis
Ashleigh Gardner's first ODI century propelled Australia to an 86-run victory over England, securing a clean sweep in the ODI part of the Women’s Ashes. With a total of 308 runs, Australia is now poised to retain the trophy.
Key Takeaways
- Ashleigh Gardner scores her first ODI century.
- Australia defeated England by 86 runs.
- Alana King took 5 wickets.
- Australia's total was 308/8.
- England was bowled out for 222.
Hobart, Jan 17 (NationPress) Ashleigh Gardner celebrated her inaugural ODI century as Australia triumphed over England by 86 runs, achieving a clean sweep in the ODI segment of the Women’s Ashes and advancing their chances of retaining the trophy.
Australia faced a challenging start at 59/4, but Ashleigh's remarkable performance, scoring a run-a-ball 102, turned the match around. She received excellent support from Beth Mooney (50), Tahlia McGrath (55), and Georgia Wareham (38 off 12 balls), helping Australia to a total of 308/8.
In addition to her batting prowess, Ashleigh showcased her fielding skills with a sensational one-handed catch to dismiss Sophie Ecclestone.
In their reply, Tammy Beaumont (54) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (61) spearheaded England's innings, but their efforts faltered as they were ultimately bowled out for 222 in 42.2 overs. Leg-spinner Alana King excelled with figures of 5-46, while Megan Schutt (3-57) and Georgia Wareham (2-27) provided effective support.
Choosing to bat first, Australia found themselves in a precarious position after losing Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Alyssa Healy, reducing them to 46/3. Following Annabel Sutherland's dismissal, Australia was struggling at 59/4 until Ashleigh stepped in to mount a comeback.
After scoring a solid 42 not out in the previous match, Ashleigh once again rose to the occasion, building a partnership with Beth that was both clean and aggressive. Together, they brought Australia to 115/4 at the halfway point, with Beth becoming the fifth Australian woman to achieve 6,000 international runs.
Although Beth was dismissed for 50 off 64 balls, Ashleigh continued to accelerate, scoring a series of boundaries to reach her century before being out for 102. Georgia's late innings contribution helped Australia surpass the 300-run mark.
In the response, Megan delivered two early strikes against England's top order, but Tammy and Nat built a steady partnership to elevate the score to 118/2 at the 24-over mark. However, Georgia's bowling created further difficulties for England. Despite a 49-run partnership between Amy Jones and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Alana dismantled England's lower order to finish with 5-46.
Both sides will now head to the historic Sydney Cricket Ground for the first of three T20Is. With a record of 6-0, Australia only needs one more victory in the remaining matches to secure the vital two points and retain the trophy.
Brief Scores: Australia 308/8 (Ashleigh Gardner 102, Tahlia McGrath 55; Nat Sciver-Brunt 2-51, Charlie Dean 2-53) beat England 222 (Nat Sciver-Brunt 61, Tammy Beaumont 54; Alana King 5-46, Megan Schutt 3-57) by 86 runs
