The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 produced another thrilling spectacle as Australia Women powered their way to a dominant six-wicket victory over England Women at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. It was a statement win from the defending champions, who displayed composure, power, and precision to chase down 245 with 9.3 overs to spare.
After England posted a competitive total of 244/9, thanks largely to Tammy Beaumont’s fluent 78, Australia’s reply was anchored by a majestic partnership between Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland, who combined for an unbeaten stand that completely dismantled England’s attack. With this win, Australia Women strengthened their top position, while England suffered their first setback of the tournament. The match belonged unquestionably to Annabel Sutherland, whose commanding all-round effort earned her the Player of the Match award.
Annabel Sutherland – 98* (112) & 3/43 (10)
Annabel Sutherland once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in modern women’s cricket. After producing a disciplined spell of 10–1–43–3 in the first innings—claiming the key wickets of Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont and Emma Lamb—she returned with the bat to orchestrate a masterful chase.
Sutherland’s unbeaten 98 off 112 balls, decorated with 9 fours and 1 six, was a display of maturity and control. Walking in at a tense moment with Australia at 24/3, she steadied the innings before gradually shifting gears. Her partnership with Gardner turned the tide of the match, as she mixed crisp drives with calculated singles, ensuring no risks while maintaining the required run rate. Falling just two runs short of a well-deserved century, Sutherland’s innings stood out as one of the finest match-winning efforts of the tournament.
Ashleigh Gardner – 104* (73) & 2/39 (9)
If Sutherland provided the composure, Ashleigh Gardner brought the firepower. The explosive right-hander blasted a breathtaking 104 not out off just 73 deliveries, studded with 16 fours, at a staggering strike rate of 142.46. Gardner’s assault began cautiously before she unleashed her trademark aggression, taking apart England’s spin attack with ease.
Her timing, placement, and power left the crowd at Indore in awe as she reached her century with a fierce boundary through cover. The unbeaten 180-run stand between Gardner and Sutherland not only secured victory but also highlighted Australia’s unmatched depth and resilience. Gardner’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression and one of the standout knocks of the tournament so far. Earlier her wickets of Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean provided the perfect support to Sutherland’s bowling.
Tammy Beaumont – 78 (105)
For England, Tammy Beaumont was the lone pillar of resistance. Opening the innings, she crafted a patient and technically assured 78 off 105 balls, laced with 10 fours and 1 six, striking at 74.28. Her ability to anchor the innings after early pressure from the Australian bowlers ensured England remained in the contest.
Beaumont combined defensive stability with occasional flair, expertly rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Her dismissal in the 35th over, after a composed partnership-building effort, halted England’s momentum just when acceleration was needed. Despite the loss, Beaumont’s innings reaffirmed her role as England’s most dependable top-order batter.
Alana King – 1/20 (10)
Alana King played a subtle yet vital role in Australia’s disciplined bowling effort. Bowling with control and variation, she returned figures of 10–1–20–1, removing the aggressive Nat Sciver-Brunt at a key moment to stall England’s middle-order momentum. Her intelligent use of flight and quick arm action made scoring difficult in the middle overs, allowing Gardner and Molineux to build pressure from the other end. Though not among the top wicket-takers in this match, King’s tight spell ensured England couldn’t fully capitalize during the middle phase—a contribution that proved valuable in restricting them to 244.
Loves all things female cricket