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In what has been described as one of the standout performances of the Women’s ODI Ashes series, Ashleigh Gardner achieved a significant milestone in her cricket career by scoring her maiden One Day International (ODI) century in the third 50-over format fixture. The match took place at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, where Gardner’s century not only showcased her talent but also bolstered Australia to reach a formidable total against England.
Ashleigh Gardner’s heroics propel Australia to a commanding total
Australia, facing a challenging start at 4/59, found a savior in Gardner, who walked in at number six. The all-rounder from New South Wales played a pivotal role in Australia’s innings, turning the game around with a composed and aggressive knock. Gardner’s century came off 100 balls, including eight fours and one six, taking Australia to a formidable total of 308/8. This was not just a personal achievement but a critical team effort, as Australia aimed to take a commanding lead in the series.
Gardner’s maiden ODI century showcases resilience and skill
Gardner’s innings was a masterclass in resilience and adaptability. Starting cautiously, she capitalized on any loose deliveries from the England bowlers, gradually increasing her scoring rate. Her innings was punctuated by well-timed shots through the off-side and powerful pulls when the ball was short. Her century was celebrated with an outpour of support from the crowd and teammates, acknowledging her first international hundred in her 77th ODI match.
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Tahlia McGrath and Georgia Wareham’s contributions boost Australia’s total
Gardner was ably supported by other key players in the lineup. Notable contributions came from Tahlia McGrath, who added crucial 55 runs, and Georgia Wareham, who finished the innings with an unbeaten 38 off just 12 balls, providing the final flourish to Australia’s total.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
MAIDEN TON!!
Ash Gardner brings up three figures for Australia for the first time, what a knock! #Ashes #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/fC3zeyQjy6
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner brings up her maiden ODI century in Hobart 👏#AUSvENG | 📝 https://t.co/50bZ6iMjjQ pic.twitter.com/sEA1yJoLhI
— ICC (@ICC) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner didn't just rescue Australia from a tricky situation with her maiden ODI century, she also secured a few records for herself #Ashes pic.twitter.com/OAieW6tHD5
— चेतन मालुसरे।Chetan Malusare (@MalusareChetanS) January 17, 2025
Century for Ash Gardner.
Take a bow.
This is some inning. pic.twitter.com/Lnd5EcklfD— CricCrazy (@CricCrazeNep) January 17, 2025
Proud to be a member of the Ash Gardner fan club.
What an innings.#Ashes— Super Wealth Fund (@Edtechx) January 17, 2025
This has to be demoralising for England.
Australia were 4-59. They really never should have got past 220ish.
Instead, an incredible Gardner-McGrath partnership, and some late Wareham hitting, sees the total pass 300.
The #Ashes could be over before we change formats.
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) January 17, 2025
Just when you start to think, Aus may need to pull back a little and reevaluate their approach, they find an Ash Gardner to come in and show that counterpunching is always going to be the route they choose. This is no game for the faint hearted#JustKeepPunching #ShallNotRetreat
— Ananya Upendran (@a_upendran11) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner & Beth Mooney have done a great job rescuing the innings.. but I have a feeling this will be the day Tahlia McGrath shows her true value to the side on @abcsport
She’s been out of form but I reckon she’ll take the score from par to exceptional!#Handy7 #WAshes 🏏
— Zane Bojack (@zanofc) January 17, 2025
Could Ash Gardner please stop being so good at cricket
— James Allan (@jamesallan163) January 17, 2025
https://twitter.com/_Frost_45/status/1880075695793320362
Ash Gardner's 102 today is her first ODI century, beating her previous highest of 74, and is the first century made by any batter at #6 in ODIs (previous highest: 90 by Alex Blackwell and Pakistan's Fatima Sana).
— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) January 17, 2025
Fabulous innings from Ash Gardner 🙌🏻#WomensAshes
— Kaustubh (@kaustubh_4579) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner never lets Australia down. Always stands up when needed. #AshsAshes #Ashes
— Agamemnon Southam (@AlecSoutham) January 17, 2025
Highest international score for Ash Gardner. Great stuff #Ashes #AUSWvENGW
— Chris Cox (@CoxyJindas) January 17, 2025
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.