Australia vs EnglandAlana KingAshleigh Gardneraustralia women cricketersBeth MooneyCricket HeadlinesCricket NewsCricket UpdatesInternational MatchesODIWomen’s Cricket
Gardner’s Maiden ODI Ton and Australia’s Recovery
After opting to bat first, Australia found themselves in deep trouble early on. The top three batters—Phoebe Litchfield, Alyssa Healy, and Ellyse Perry—were sent back within the first 10 overs, leaving the team struggling at 59/4 in the 15th over.
Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner stepped up to stabilize the innings with a gritty 95-run stand off 107 balls. Mooney, known for her consistency, reached her half-century in 64 deliveries before being dismissed in the 33rd over. Gardner, meanwhile, built her innings methodically, taking charge of the recovery process.
Tahlia McGrath joined Gardner and accelerated the scoring rate. Their crucial partnership pushed Australia past the 250-mark. Gardner reached her maiden ODI hundred in the 46th over but fell soon after. The final flourish came from Georgia Wareham, whose blistering 38 not out off just 12 balls—with five fours and two sixes—powered Australia to a formidable 308/8 in 50 overs.
England’s Chase Falters
Chasing 309, England stumbled early, losing Maia Bouchier in the first over and captain Heather Knight in the seventh—both dismissed by Megan Schutt. Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver-Brunt steadied the innings with a slow but steady partnership. However, the mounting asking rate became a concern, and both batters fell after completing their half-centuries by the 31st over.
Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones tried to keep England’s hopes alive but could not sustain the momentum. The team collapsed under pressure, particularly against Alana King’s leg-spin. King broke key partnerships, taking out Amy Jones in the 37th over, and triggered a collapse that saw England lose their last five wickets in just 5.2 overs.
Alana King and Ashleigh Gardner’s Spectacular Contributions
King’s incredible five-wicket haul (5-46) was the highlight of the bowling attack. Her wickets included crucial breakthroughs, one of which was aided by Gardner’s jaw-dropping catch on the deep mid-wicket boundary to dismiss Sophie Ecclestone. Gardner showed incredible athleticism, leaping to grab a one-handed catch, tossing the ball mid-air to regain balance outside the boundary, and diving back in to complete the catch.
Credit: Getty Images
Megan Schutt also made a significant impact with figures of 3-57, ensuring England never gained control of the chase.
Key Performances at a Glance
Australia Women’s Innings:
- Ashleigh Gardner: 102 runs
- Tahlia McGrath: 55 runs
- Beth Mooney: 50 runs
- Georgia Wareham: 38* runs off 12 balls
England Women’s Innings:
- Nat Sciver-Brunt: 61 runs
- Tammy Beaumont: 54 runs
Bowling Highlights:
- Alana King: 5 wickets for 46 runs
- Megan Schutt: 3 wickets for 57 runs
Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket has been evident for years. To read more about Australia women’s cricket achievements, visit Cricket Australia’s official website.
For details on ongoing women’s cricket tournaments, visit our comprehensive Women’s Cricket Updates.
