Annabel Sutherland played a near-flawless innings, scoring an unbeaten 98 to guide Australia to a six-wicket victory over England in the Women’s World Cup 2025. Her crucial 180*-run partnership with Ashleigh Gardner proved to be the turning point in the chase, as the duo steadied the innings and helped Australia maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament.
Speaking after the match, Sutherland admitted that conditions were “a little tricky” at the start of the innings but said that things got easier as the partnership built.
“It was a little bit tricky to start the innings, but we knew it was going to get easier. We were just talking about building a partnership, and the longer we were there, the easier it got,” Sutherland said.
Her intent stood out in contrast to England’s approach, as she attacked their key bowlers, including Linsey Smith. “I think it’s something we talk about as a team, we’ve got real depth in our order, so we can afford to put pressure on the bowlers and keep the scoreboard moving,” she explained. “The way Ash played shows she keeps the game moving forward; it was pretty fun to watch.”
The pair’s fearless batting was backed by the confidence that Australia’s batting depth provides.
“It allows us to play to our strengths and trust our game, especially once we get in,” Sutherland added. “It was tricky to start, so we really wanted to finish it off towards the end and not let England have a look in.”
For Sutherland, this knock marked her first World Cup fifty, a timely return to form with the semifinals not far away now.
“It’ve been really good to be honest and it was nice just to spend some time in the middle, give myself a chance early, and the basically watch Ash, made it look really easy, and get a really nice partnership with her, I think that was pleasing thing that we were able to get the job done together.”
She also praised Gardner’s continued evolution as a batter. “She looks really clear on the areas she goes to, and I just enjoy watching it from the other end. She hits the ball really hard and in different areas, keeps finding ways to score,” Sutherland said.
Towards the end of the innings, both batters were within sight of their centuries, but Sutherland said personal milestones were far from her mind. “I wasn’t thinking a lot about it, to be honest. Wanted the game to be done. When (Sophie) Ecclestone was bowling, I said to Ash, ‘Just get it done please,’” she laughed.
Sutherland also credited the Women’s Premier League (WPL) experience for helping Australian players adapt better to Indian conditions.
“The more experience you can get in different conditions always helps. These have been pretty good batting conditions once you get in and get set. The more you play in different conditions the more it definitely helps,” she noted.
Reflecting on Australia’s strong campaign, she highlighted the emphasis on partnerships and momentum. “In one-day cricket, partnerships are really important… You look at England innings, the wickets throughout kinda stole their momentum, we were able to just keep batting. That’s something we really talk,” she said.
When asked about her mindset when she walked into the middle with 24/3 on the board, Sutherland emphasized patience and composure. “I just wanted to give myself a chance at the start of the innings and really just get into a partnership with whoever was at the other end. So did that with (Beth) Mooney first, and then with Ash, just keep putting pressure on the England bowlers,” she said.
With this win, Australia continued to assert their dominance in the tournament, and Sutherland’s innings – calm, composed, and commanding, served as yet another reminder of the depth and resilience within this Australian side.
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