Ashleigh Gardner Creates History, Becomes 1st Cricketer In The World To… | Cricket News

Ashleigh Gardner scored 115 runs from 83 balls against New Zealand on Wednesday in Indore. (Picture Credit: AP)

Ashleigh Gardner entered her name in the history books on Wednesday, October 1, by becoming the first cricketer to score a century after coming out to bat at No. 6 or lower in a Women’s ODI World Cup match. Gardner came out to bat at No. 6 for Australia in the second match of the ongoing ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in Indore against New Zealand and crossed the 100-run mark in just 77 balls.

She smashed New Zealand captain Sophie Devine for a four on the first ball of the 46th over to complete her century.

Fastest hundred in Women’s ODI World Cup (by balls)

• 71 – Deandra Dottin (West Indies) vs Pakistan, Leicester (2017)
• 76 – Nat Sciver-Brunt vs Pakistan, Leicester (2017)
• 77 – Ash Gardner vs New Zealand, Indore (2025)
• 79 – Nat Sciver-Brunt vs Australia, Hamilton (2022)

Before her, the previous highest score by a No. 6 or lower batter in a Women’s ODI World Cup match was in the name of Alex Blackwell.

In the second semifinal match of the 2017 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in Derby on July 20, 2017, Blackwell scored 90 runs from 56 balls for Australia against India.

Gardner faced a total of 83 balls for the Australian team in their first match of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 and, with the help of 16 fours and 1 six, scored 115 runs.

Her 115-run knock helped the seven-time champions bounce back from 128/5 in 21.2 overs and post a total of 326/10 in 49.3 overs.

During her stay at the crease, she added 64 runs for the sixth wicket with Tahlia McGrath (26), 47 runs for the seventh wicket with Sophie Molineux (14) and 69 runs for the eighth wicket with Kim Garth (38).

The 69-run partnership between Gardner and Garth is the second-highest for Australia Women for the 8th wicket or below in ODI World Cups, behind the 76 runs 10th wicket stand between Kristen Beams and Alex Blackwell against India at Derby in 2017.

Gardner was sent back to the pavilion by Bree Illing. On the third ball of the 47th over of Australia’s innings, Isabella Gaze completed her catch.

For the White Ferns, Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr picked up three wickets each and two Australian batters each were sent back to the pavilion by Amelia Kerr and Bree Illing.