In a thrilling ICC Women’s World Cup encounter, Australia defeated England by 6 wickets, thanks to a stunning century from Ashleigh Gardner and a superb supporting knock from Annabel Sutherland.
Playing in Indore, England batted first and posted 244 for 9. Opener Tammy Beaumont played a fine innings of 78, but a regular fall of wickets at the other end prevented the team from setting a larger total. Alice Capsey added 38 in the middle order. For Australia, Annabel Sutherland was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, while Sophie Molineux and Ashleigh Gardner claimed 2 wickets each.
Australia’s chase of 245 began disastrously. They lost their first 3 wickets for just 24 runs. When Beth Mooney also departed for 20, leaving the team struggling at 68 for 4, the match seemed firmly in England’s control.
At this critical moment, Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland steadied the ship and built an unbreakable partnership. Gardner played a magnificent innings, completing her century and remaining unbeaten on 104. Sutherland provided perfect support, finishing agonizingly short of her own century, unbeaten on 98. Together, they guided Australia to the target in the 41st over with 4 wickets remaining, sealing a remarkable comeback victory.
