Ashleigh Gardner’s century powers Australia to 326 against New Zealand in ICC Women’s World Cup

Ashleigh Gardner played a match-defining innings to guide Australia to a formidable total of 326 all out against New Zealand in the ICC Women’s World Cup on Wednesday at Indore's Holkar Stadium. Coming in at a precarious 113 for 4 in the 19th over, the Australian all-rounder produced a masterclass in middle-order batting, scoring her second ODI century off just 77 deliveries.

Gardner’s innings of 115 runs from 83 balls, which included 16 fours and a six, was her highest in ODIs. Her performance stabilized the innings after Australia had lost momentum following a mini collapse earlier. The defending champions had started briskly, with openers Alyssa Healy (19) and Phoebe Litchfield (45) finding the boundary regularly. However, Healy fell to Bree Illing in the fifth over, and Litchfield was dismissed in the 11th over by leg-spinner Amelia Kerr, who also reached her 100th ODI wicket with the dismissal.

Australia’s middle order struggled initially as wickets fell in quick succession. Ellyse Perry (33) was trapped by Lea Tahuhu, Annabel Sutherland (5) and Beth Mooney (12) also fell cheaply, leaving Australia in trouble at 128 for 5 in the 22nd over. Gardner, however, took control, forging crucial partnerships with Tahlia McGrath (26) and Kim Garth (38), adding 64 and 69 runs respectively for key wickets and pushing the total past the 300-run mark.


Gardner’s innings was marked by aggressive yet calculated strokeplay, including a boundary off Sophie Devine to reach her century and immediately surpass her previous ODI best. She finally fell in the 47th over, edging a delivery from Bree Illing to wicketkeeper Izzy Gaze. Lower-order contributions ensured Australia added 74 more runs after the 40th over before being bowled out in 49.3 overs, with Jess Kerr claiming three wickets.

This century marked Gardner’s second ODI ton, following her maiden 102 against England earlier this year during the Women’s Ashes. Her stellar performance not only rescued Australia from a potential slump but also set the tone for a competitive contest against the White Ferns.