Described as one of the most famous matches of the Women's ODI Ashes series, Ashley Gardner achieved a major milestone in her cricket career by scoring her first maiden One Day International (ODI) century in the third 50-over match. The match was played at the Belleive Oval in Hobart, where Gardner's age not only showed his skills but also inspired Australia to reach the challenge against England.
Ashleigh Gardner's heroics put Australia in control
Australia, facing a tough start at 4/59, found a savior in Gardner, who came in at number 6. The all-rounder from New South Wales played a key role in Australia's innings, turning the game around with aggressive knocks. Gardner's century came off 100 balls, including four fours and a six, which took Australia to a formidable 308/8. This was not just a performance but a team effort, as Australia sought to lead the series.
Gardner's ODI century shows courage and skill
Gardner's innings was a masterpiece of boldness and versatility. Starting cautiously, he used every loose weapon from England, gradually increasing his score. His innings was peppered with well-timed shots and powerful pulls when the ball was short. His century was celebrated with support from the crowd and teammates, marking his first international century in his 77th ODI match.
Also READ: RCB's Sophie Molineux pulls out of WPL 2025, replacement announced
Contributions from Tahlia McGrath and Georgia Wareham boost Australia's tally
Gardner was well supported by other key players on the line. Popular contributions came from Tahlia McGrathwho added 55 important movements, and Georgia Warehamwho finished the innings with an unbeaten 38 off just 12 balls, which led to Australia's victory.
Here's how Twitter did it:
A TON OF HEART!!
Ash Gardner brings three figures to Australia for the first time, what a knock! #Location #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/fC3zeyQjy6
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner brings his maiden ODI to Hobart 👏#AUSvENG | | 📝 https://t.co/50bZ6iMjjQ pic.twitter.com/sEA1yJoLhI
– ICC (@ICC) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner not only saved Australia from further trouble with his maiden ODI debut, he also earned himself a couple of records. #Location pic.twitter.com/OAieW6tHD5
– Chetan Malusare (@MalusareChetanS) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner's centenary.
Bless you.
This is more. pic.twitter.com/Lnd5EcklfD– CricCrazy (@CricCrazeNep) January 17, 2025
I am proud to be a member of the Ash Gardner club.
What an innings.#Location– Super Wealth Fund (@Edtechx) January 17, 2025
This must upset England.
Australia were 4-59. They shouldn't be over 220ish.
Instead, the amazing Gardner-McGrath partnership, and Wareham's late hitting, saw him surpass 300.
The #Location it may end before we change the format.
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) January 17, 2025
Just when you start to think, Aus might need to step back a bit and reassess their approach, they get Ash Gardner to step in and show that opposition will always be their strategy of choice. This is not a game for the faint of heart#Just Keep Pushing #They won't come back
— Ananya Upenderan (@a_upendran11) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner & Beth Mooney have done a good job saving the innings.. but I feel this will be the day Tahlia McGrath shows her true value in the side. @abcsport
He's been out of form but I can see he's going to score from a certain level!#Handy7 # Wash 🏏
– Zane Bojack (@zanofc) January 17, 2025
Will Ash Gardner please stop playing cricket
— James Allan (@jamesallan163) January 17, 2025
https://twitter.com/_Frost_45/status/1880075695793320362
Ash Gardner's 102 today is his first ODI century, surpassing his 74, and is the first century made by any batsman at #6 in ODIs (previous: 90 by Alex Blackwell and Fatima Sana of Pakistan).
— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) January 17, 2025
Amazing stuff from Ash Gardner 🙌🏻#WomensAshes
– Kaustubh (@kaustubh_4579) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner will not let Australia down. He always stands up when needed. #AshsAshes #Location
— Agamemnon Southam (@AlecSoutham) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner's international achievements. Great things #Location #AUSWvENGW
— Chris Cox (@CoxyJindas) January 17, 2025
Also WATCH: Alana King picks up her 50th ODI wicket after dismissing Danielle Wyatt for a golden duck | Women's Ashes 2025
This article was originally published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.