ICC Women's World Cup: Ashleigh Gardner's ton, Annabel Sutherland fire Australia to six-wicket win over England; maintain unbeaten run

Australia extended their unbeaten run in the ICC Women’s World Cup with a dominant six-wicket win over England in Indore on Wednesday, powered by all-rounders Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner. Opting to bowl, Australia’s attack kept England in check, restricting them to 244/9. Tammy Beaumont top-scored with a composed 79 off 108 balls, but regular wickets prevented the innings from really taking off.

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Sutherland (3/60) led the charge with the ball, supported by Gardner (2/39), Sophie Molineux (2/52), and Alana King (1/20). England got off to a bright start as Beaumont flicked and drove fluently, bringing up her first fifty of the tournament off 44 balls.

Amy Jones (18) and skipper Heather Knight (20) offered brief support before both fell to tight bowling from Sutherland and Molineux. Nat Sciver-Brunt’s early dismissal further dented England’s plans, while Sophia Dunkley (22) struggled to find momentum against King and Molineux, who maintained sharp lines. Late efforts from Alice Capsey (38) and Charlie Dean (26) helped England cross 240, though the side once again suffered a familiar middle-order collapse.

Australia’s chase began shakily, losing three wickets for just 24 runs within the first six overs as Linsey Smith and Lauren Bell found movement and accuracy with the new ball. Beth Mooney (20) steadied the innings briefly before falling to Smith. From there, Sutherland and Gardner took control, displaying composure and authority in a record-breaking partnership. Gardner’s fluent strokeplay complemented Sutherland’s solidity as the pair rebuilt with intent, dispatching loose deliveries to the boundary and rotating strike efficiently. Sutherland, who finished unbeaten on 98, narrowly missed out on a century but anchored the chase perfectly. Gardner remained not out on 104, ensuring Australia reached the target with 57 balls to spare.

The 180-run stand not only sealed victory but also underlined Australia’s batting depth and ability to recover from difficult starts. With this result, Australia reclaimed the top spot on the points table and reaffirmed their status as tournament favourites, while England were left to rue another lost opportunity despite a promising start.