Ashleigh Gardner’s All-Round Masterclass: Century & Spin Magic at the WWC 2025
In one of the standout performances of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, Australia’s all round powerhouse Ashleigh Gardner delivered a match winning display that reinforced her status as one of women’s cricket’s most complete players. Facing arch rivals England, Australia were wobbling at 68 for 4 during the chase of 245. But Gardner’s unbeaten 104 from just 73 balls coupled with her earlier bowling figures of 2-39 steered the seven time champions to a six-wicket victory.
🏏 Turning the Game with the Ball
Gardner opened her contribution with off spin bowling that helped contain England’s batting surge. She claimed the key wicket of Nat Sciver‑Brunt for 7 and had an overall spell of 2-39, keeping the pressure high during the middle overs. Australia’s earlier collapse meant that containing England to 244 was a vital foundation for the chase.
🔥 Dominance with the Bat
When Australia began their chase, they were 68 for 4 a precarious position. That’s when Gardner joined forces with fellow all rounder Annabel Sutherland (98*), putting together an unbeaten stand of 180 for the fifth wicket. Gardner reached her century off just 69 balls. Her explosive acceleration after fifty turned the match decisively in Australia’s favour.
With sixteen boundaries and a strike rate well above 140, Gardner’s innings wasn’t just about steadying the ship it was about rewriting the script. She chose the perfect moment to launch her assault, dominating the final 20 overs and chasing down the target with over nine overs to spare. It was a display of power, precision and situational awareness hallmarks of a top class all rounder.
🌟 Why This Matters for Women’s Cricket
Gardner’s performance isn’t just a personal milestone it reinforces the strength and depth of the Australian side. As a player who can change a game with both ball and bat, she bridges the gap between specialist and match winner. Her journey from young debutant in 2017 to MVP calibre in 2025 is a testament to perseverance and talent.
📊 Stats & Quick Facts
- Unbeaten 104 from 73 balls - fastest hundred by an Australian woman in the tournament so far.
- 2–39 with the ball - setting the platform for the chase.
- Historic 180 run stand with Sutherland - Australia’s highest fifth-wicket partnership in women’s ODIs.
- All-rounder role reaffirmed - one of the top ranked players in both batting and bowling.
🧠 How She Did It: Skills Breakdown
Spin Bowling Tactics: Gardner’s off spin bowlers vary pace, flight and direction to trap batters. Against England, she used subtle drift and guile to claim key wickets early.
Batting Strategy: Gardner paired caution and acceleration expertly. Her first fifty came off 47 balls; the next fifty exploded in just 22 eliminations. Strike-rotation, depth of shot-selection and running between wickets were all in play.
🔮 What’s Next for Gardner & Australia
With the semi finals inching closer, Australia’s campaign gains extra momentum with Gardner in full flow. For Gardner personally, building this performance into consistent match winning output will elevate her into rare all rounder legends alongside names like Ellyse Perry.
💬 Final Take
In one afternoon, Ashleigh Gardner reminded the world why all rounders are so precious. She didn’t just contribute; she dominated. When you can bowl at one end and score a century at the other, you change the complexion of the game. And as women’s cricket continues to grow in intensity and reach, it’s performances like these that will define its future.