• Australia Women defeated England Women by four wickets in a low-scoring encounter at North Sydney Oval.

  • Ashleigh Gardner's all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award. 

Twitter reactions: Ashleigh Gardner steers Australia to victory against England in 1st ODI | Women’s Ashes 2025
Australia vs England

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The Women’s Ashes 2025 kicked off with a riveting first ODI at North Sydney Oval, Sydney, where Australia outplayed England in a low-scoring thriller. Batting first, England could only muster 204 runs in 43.1 overs, succumbing to Australia’s disciplined bowling.

Ashleigh Gardner emerged as the hero for the hosts, contributing both with the ball and the bat to steer her team to a comfortable four-wicket victory. Alyssa Healy‘s commanding half-century set the foundation for Australia’s chase, while Gardner’s all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award.

England’s inning: A mixed bag of contributions

England’s innings never gained momentum, with their batters failing to capitalize on starts. Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier fell early, leaving the visitors at 61/2 after 12.3 overs. Heather Knight led a brief recovery with a gritty 39 off 48 balls, supported by Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who contributed a patient 38.

However, England’s middle-order collapsed under pressure from Australia’s spinners, particularly Gardner and Alana King. Gardner’s precise line and variations earned her three crucial wickets, including the dismissals of Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Extras inflated England’s total to 204, but the lack of partnerships and intent from the lower order cost them dearly. Despite Amy Jones’ brisk 31, England’s inability to bat their full quota of overs reflected their struggles against Australia’s disciplined attack.

Also WATCH: Ellyse Perry takes a breathtaking catch to remove Heather Knight in the AUS vs ENG 1st ODI | Women’s Ashes 2025

Australia’s chase: Ashleigh Gardner and Alyssa Healy shine bright

Australia’s chase began shakily as Phoebe Litchfield departed early for just 4 runs. However, captain Healy steadied the innings with a fluent 70 off 78 balls, showcasing her class through 11 boundaries. Partnerships were key, as Beth Mooney chipped in with an aggressive 28, while Gardner anchored the latter half of the chase with an unbeaten 42 off 44 balls. England’s bowlers, particularly Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone, bowled tightly, but lacked the support from others to consistently threaten. Ecclestone’s two wickets kept England’s hopes alive momentarily, but Gardner’s composure ensured Australia crossed the finish line with 67 balls to spare. The innings highlighted Australia’s depth, with contributions from multiple players ensuring a smooth chase despite minor hiccups.

Gardner’s all-round brilliance in the 1st ODI of Women’s Ashes 2025

Ashleigh Gardner was the standout performer of the match, excelling in all departments. Her spell of 3/19 in just 6.1 overs dismantled England’s middle order, earning her key scalps like Heather Knight and Lauren Bell. In the field, Gardner showcased her sharp reflexes with two stunning catches, further denting England’s momentum. With the bat, Gardner played a calm and calculated knock under pressure, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Her 42 not out included five boundaries and a six, steering Australia home after a minor middle-order collapse. Gardner’s ability to deliver in clutch moments reaffirmed her status as one of the finest all-rounders in the women’s game, making her the deserving Player of the Match.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also READ: AUS vs ENG, Women’s Ashes 2025 – Broadcast and Live Streaming details | When and Where to watch in India, Australia, USA, UK and other countries

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
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