Annabel Sutherland’s all-around brilliance and Ashleigh Gardner’s outstanding century propelled Australia to a commanding six-wicket victory over England in the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday. The win allowed Australia to ascend to the top of the tournament’s points table, marking a significant moment in their World Cup campaign.
England, currently sitting in third place, faced their first defeat in the tournament while trying to chase down a target of 245 runs. Gardner showcased her batting prowess, scoring an impressive 104 runs off 73 balls with 16 boundaries. Meanwhile, Sutherland remained unbeaten at 98, forming a formidable 180-run partnership with Gardner that proved crucial in achieving the victory with 57 balls to spare.
Both teams have already secured their places in the semi-finals of the tournament alongside South Africa. India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka are now vying for the last available spot. Sutherland, who was named player of the match, expressed her enjoyment of batting with Gardner, stating, “It was pretty fun, always good batting with Ash. She keeps the game moving, pretty good seat up the other end.” Additionally, Sutherland’s contributions with the ball were noteworthy as she took three wickets to help dismantle England’s batting order.
England’s innings began with a promising start, as their openers managed to build a solid foundation with 55 runs in the first eight overs. Tammy Beaumont was particularly effective during this phase. However, Sutherland’s exceptional bowling performance, including a wicket-maiden in the ninth over, quickly halted their momentum. England struggled thereafter to maintain their scoring rate, managing only 36 runs over the next 10 overs. The team faced further setbacks with wickets falling regularly, despite Beaumont scoring a commendable 78 runs.
England ultimately found themselves in a precarious position at 168-6 after 40 overs; however, a spirited partnership between Charlie Dean and Alice Capsey added a quick 61 runs for the seventh wicket, allowing them to reach a total of 244-9.
As the tournament progresses, Australia appears to be a strong contender for the title, showcasing depth and resilience in their squad. The performances of key players like Sutherland and Gardner not only reflect their individual skills but also contribute to the overall strength of the Australian team, generating optimism among fans for their continued success in the competition. The upcoming matches promise to be just as thrilling, as teams aim for glory in the prestigious World Cup.