AUS-W against ENG-W First ODI: Ashleigh Gardner’s game-winning effort helped Australia crush England by four wickets in the series opener against England in Sydney. The great all-rounder helped the club chase down the goal of 204 runs in a comprehensive manner by taking three wickets and scoring a tough 42 runs.
The squad had a strong start thanks to captain Alyssa Healy, who also hit 70 runs off 78 balls. Healy led the team over the line after returning from a knee injury. She also helped the team recover after Phoebe Litchfield’s expulsion and formed a 61-run combination with Beth Mooney that won the match.
Despite some gutsy knocks from hitters like Heather Knight (39) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (38), the English never really got going. Gardner rocked England’s middle-order batting order, while Kim Garth provided the hosts with the much-needed breakthrough. Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt were among the batters she ejected because they mistimed their strokes and the visitors were unable to capitalize on the situation.
Australia too saw a collapse in their batting. Gardner was unaffected by the rapid decline of Mooney and Annabel Sutherland, which left the hosts at 124 for 4. Gardner, who first teamed up with Healy and then led the pursuit with Alana King, demonstrated poise under duress. She demonstrated her will to dominate the game with a powerful six off Sophie Ecclestone.
Short bursts of England’s comeback included a near-miss when Sophie Ecclestone dropped Gardner at mid-off with 22 runs remaining for Australia. But with Gardner’s perseverance, there were no more problems as Australia accomplished the goal with almost 11 overs remaining.
Gardner’s outstanding play continued on the field, as she made two catches and took her 100th ODI wicket, making it a day to remember for the all-round great. The defending Ashes champions put on a show of dominance for the 6,236 spectators, who established a new record for a women’s international at the stadium.
In the multi-format series, Australia currently has the early lead, and England must swiftly reorganize to remain competitive.C
