Gardner ton leads Aus Women to convincing win over England in 3rd ODI , Aus 6 points up in Ashes

 

Ashleigh Gardner shone brightly for Australia, smashing her maiden ODI century to lead her team to an 86-run victory over England, securing a clean sweep in the ODI segment of the Women’s Ashes and moving closer to retaining the coveted trophy.

Australia found themselves in deep trouble at 59/4, but Gardner’s remarkable 102 off 102 balls turned the tide. She was well-supported by Beth Mooney (50), Tahlia McGrath (55), and Georgia Wareham, whose explosive 38 off just 12 deliveries helped Australia post an imposing 308/8. Gardner further showcased her brilliance in the field with a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Sophie Ecclestone, completing the effort with a dive after juggling the ball.

England's chase started promisingly with Tammy Beaumont (54) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (61) anchoring their innings. However, as the required rate climbed, England faltered, eventually bowled out for 222 in 42.2 overs. Alana King starred with the ball, claiming 5-46, while Megan Schutt (3-57) and Georgia Wareham (2-27) provided solid support.

Electing to bat first, Australia stumbled early as England's bowlers dismissed Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Alyssa Healy, leaving the hosts reeling at 46/3. Annabel Sutherland’s dismissal further compounded their woes at 59/4, bringing Gardner to the crease. She partnered with Mooney to stabilize the innings, with their clean and aggressive shot-making steering the score to 115/4 at the halfway mark. Mooney’s contribution also saw her reach the milestone of 6,000 international runs, becoming just the fifth Australian woman to do so.

Although Mooney fell for a well-made 50, Gardner continued to pile on the runs with an array of boundaries, reaching her maiden century in style. Georgia Wareham’s late fireworks ensured Australia breached the 300-run mark.

In response, England started cautiously despite Megan Schutt’s early strikes. Beaumont and Sciver-Brunt added 118 for the second wicket, but Georgia Wareham’s double blow turned the game on its head. A brief 49-run partnership between Amy Jones and Danni Wyatt-Hodge provided some resistance, but Alana King’s superb bowling dismantled England’s lower order.

With a commanding 6-0 lead in the series, Australia now heads to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the first of three T20Is. A single win in the remaining matches will secure the Women’s Ashes trophy for the hosts.