Australia’s star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner etched her name into cricket’s history books with a blistering hundred against New Zealand during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Walking in at No. 6 with her team struggling at 128/5, Gardner delivered one of the finest counter-attacking knocks the tournament has ever witnessed. Australia posted 326 in 49.3 overs against New Zealand at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Wednesday, October 1.

Ashleigh Gardner’s record-breaking hundred for Australia against New Zealand in Women’s World Cup 2025

Gardener scored 115 off just 83 balls, becoming the first cricketer in Women’s World Cup history to hit a century batting at No. 6 or lower. Her innings not only rescued Australia but also powered them to a strong total, changing the course of the match completely.

Gardner’s innings was a masterclass in composure and controlled aggression under pressure. When she walked out to bat in the 22nd over, the situation looked dire for the seven-time champions, who had lost five wickets in quick succession. Yet, Gardner displayed remarkable maturity, absorbing the pressure while maintaining a brisk scoring rate. She reached her century in just 77 balls by driving Sophie Devine through the covers for four in the 46th over, becoming the third-fastest centurion in Women’s World Cup history.

The milestone also set her apart as the only batter to score a century from No. 6 or below in the tournament’s long history, surpassing Alex Blackwell’s 90 in 2017. Gardner’s ability to find gaps with crisp timing, combine boundaries with strike rotation, and keep her nerve despite the collapse around her made this knock truly historic. By the time she was dismissed by Bree Illing in the 47th over, Gardner had smashed 16 fours and a six, ensuring her innings would be remembered as one of the defining knocks of World Cup cricket.

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CWC 2025: Gardner’s crucial Partnerships that lifted Australia from crisis to command

Equally important to Gardner’s century were the partnerships she built along the way, which pulled Australia out of a hole and into a position of dominance. First, she added 64 crucial runs with Tahlia McGrathsteadying the ship when New Zealand were firmly in control. Then came a gritty 47-run stand with Sophie Molininewhich frustrated the White Ferns’ bowlers and gave Australia breathing space.

However, it was the 69-run partnership with Kim Garth that truly turned the innings around. This stand became the second-highest 8th wicket or lower partnership for Australia in Women’s World Cup history, only behind Blackwell and Beams’ 76-run 10th wicket stand in 2017. Gardner marshalled the lower order brilliantly, guiding her partners while shouldering the scoring burden. Every time New Zealand sensed a breakthrough, Gardner counter-punched with boundaries that deflated their spirits. By the time she fell, Australia had surged past 300, a score unthinkable at 128/5. These partnerships highlighted Gardner’s ability not just as a power-hitter but as a leader in crisis, orchestrating Australia’s fightback with skill and resilience.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.coma Read company.