The Women's Ashes 2025 started with a thrilling first ODI at the North Sydney Oval, Sydney, where Australia not played England in very little happiness. Batting first, England managed just 204 runs in 43.1 overs, losing to Australian bowling.
Ashley Gardner he looked like a hero to the hosts, helping with the ball and batting to lead his team to a comfortable four-wicket win. Alyssa HealyA dominant half-century laid the foundation for Australia's chase, with Gardner's all-round brilliance earning him the Player of the Match award.
England's innings: A mixed bag of contributions
England's innings was largely ineffective, as their batsmen failed to capitalize on the opening act. Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier it fell early, leaving the visitors at 61/2 after 12.3 overs. Heather Knight led a temporary recovery with a gritty 39 off 48 balls, aided by Danni Wyatt-Hodgewho treated patient 38.
However, England's middle order collapsed under pressure from the Australian spinners, especially Gardner and Alan King. Gardner's accurate line and variation earned him three crucial wickets, including the dismissal of Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt. The over extended England's total to 204, but a lack of partnership and goals from the lower order cost them dearly. Although Amy Jones' brisk 31, England's inability to deal with all their threats shows their resilience against a well-rounded Australian attack.
Also WATCH: Ellyse Perry takes an impressive catch to dismiss Heather Knight in AUS vs ENG 1st ODI | Women's Ashes 2025
Australian chase: Ashleigh Gardner and Alyssa Healy shine brightly
Australia's chase began to shake as Phoebe Litchfield took off early for just 4 runs. However, captain Healy strengthened the innings with a brilliant 70 off 78 balls, showing his class through 11 boundaries. Beth Mooney he chipped in with a furious 28, while Gardner put on the last half of the run with an unbeaten 42 off 44 balls. Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestonehurled hard, but had no support from others to make constant threats. Ecclestone's two wickets kept England's hopes alive for a while, but Gardner's tenacity saw Australia reach the final with 67 balls to spare. The innings highlighted Australia's depth, with contributions from several players ensuring a sloppy chase despite minor setbacks.
Gardner's total win in 1st ODI of Ashes Women 2025
Ashleigh Gardner was the highlight of the game, she excelled in all departments. Her figures of 3/19 in just 6.1 overs rattled England's middle order, getting valuable scalps from the likes of Heather Knight and Lauren Bell. In the field, Gardner showed his brilliance with two impressive braces, which gave England the lead. With the bat, Gardner played calmly and calculated under pressure, rotating strikes and punishing loose deliveries. His 42 not out included five boundaries and a six, the home run of Australia after a slight fall in the middle. Gardner's ability to put in a lot of practice time also proved her status as one of the best performers in the women's game, making her Man of the Match.
Here's how Twitter did it:
Ashleigh Gardner won the Player of the match award for her outstanding all round performance 🥇#women #cricket #ENGvAUS #AshleighGardner #Location #CricketTwitter #CricketWomen pic.twitter.com/CyDTLBaHw1
– WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 12, 2025
The dream begins! 🤩
Scorecard: https://t.co/QRCRi0NZXx #Location pic.twitter.com/VsPbB3xj2v
– Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) January 12, 2025
….and England went up 1-0 in The #Location.
Morally speaking, of course.#AUSvENG
– not Tim (@kimnottim) January 12, 2025
I love it #Location
Here I mean Ash Gardner with the ball and Ash Gardner with the bat
Also Kingy shows why he should start in Australia in any way– Picasso (@hf2_0_2_) January 12, 2025
A sell-out crowd of 6,236 sold out at North Sydney Oval to watch the opening match. #Location pic.twitter.com/6mt0msE7k7
— Lachlan Jeffery (@LachlanJeffery) January 12, 2025
Unfortunately, Ash Gardener is a professional cricketer. We'll find out next time.
– TheCricketMen (@thecricketmen) January 12, 2025
In awe of Ash Gardener and the talent that a team like Australia has.
They come and break the alliance between Nat Sciver and Heather Knight. Going back will wipe the tail.
England were all out for around 240 (estimates) when they were 92/2 (19) and… pic.twitter.com/1tFtVZteO9
— Kartik Kannan (@kartik_kannan) January 12, 2025
Aussie women at home #Location opener #AUSvENG 🇦🇺
— Robbie Carroll (@yarn22) January 12, 2025
Alyssa Healy's 70 from 78 today is the highest score by an Australian player cum captain against England in ODIs (men/women).#WomensAshes #AUSvENG
– Rhitankar Bandyopadhyay (@_rhitankar_) January 12, 2025
Good game girls! #AUSvENG
– Walko 🐾🏆🏆 🏆🏆 (@maaattz) January 12, 2025
Also READ: AUS vs ENG, Women's Ashes 2025 – Broadcast Details and Live Streaming | When and Where to watch in India, Australia, USA, UK and other countries
This article was originally published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.