**Ashleigh Gardner Makes History with Record-Breaking Century in ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 02, 2025 | 10:57 am*
Australian cricketer Ashleigh Gardner has etched her name in the record books by becoming the first player to score a century after batting at No. 6 or lower in an ICC Women’s ODI World Cup match. This historic feat came during Australia’s second match of the ongoing ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 against New Zealand in Indore on Wednesday.
### Gardner’s Record-Breaking Century
Gardner, who came out to bat at No. 6, reached her century in just 77 balls. She achieved the milestone by hitting a four off New Zealand captain Sophie Devine on the first ball of the 46th over. Her impressive innings ended at 115 runs off 83 balls, including 16 fours and a six.
Coming in when Australia were struggling at 128/5 in 21.2 overs, Gardner played a crucial role in reviving the innings. She helped push Australia to a formidable total of 326 all out in their allotted overs.
### Valuable Partnerships
During her innings, Gardner shared several important partnerships that proved vital for Australia’s recovery:
– A 64-run stand for the sixth wicket with Tahlia McGrath (26)
– A 47-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Sophie Molineux (14)
– A massive 69-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Kim Garth (38)
Notably, the 69-run partnership with Kim Garth is now the second-highest for Australia Women at this stage in ODI World Cups.
### Dismissal and Match Outcome
Gardner’s remarkable innings came to an end when she was dismissed by Bree Illing on the third ball of the 47th over. The catch was taken by Isabella Gaze, closing a historic knock that not only helped Australia post a strong total but also set a new benchmark in Women’s ODI World Cup history.
Despite a lone effort from New Zealand’s centurion Sophie Devine, the Kiwi side lost by 89 runs.
### Additional Records and Stats
– **Third-Fastest Hundred in Women’s World Cups:** Gardner’s century off 77 balls is the third-fastest in tournament history and the fastest by an Australian batter. She trails only Deandra Dottin (71 balls vs Pakistan, 2017) and England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt (76 balls vs Pakistan, 2017).
– **Highest Individual Score at No. 6 or Lower:** Her 115 is the highest individual Women’s ODI score batting at number six or lower. This was Gardner’s second WODI century at number six; she also scored 102 against England in Hobart earlier this year. No other batter has multiple hundreds from this position.
– **Exclusive Group:** Only two other players—West Indies’ Shemaine Campbelle and South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen—have scored centuries while batting at number six or lower in Women’s ODIs.
### Gardner’s Career in Numbers
Gardner, 28, now has two WODI centuries and seven half-centuries. She has accumulated 1,441 runs from 81 WODI matches at an average of 30.65, with a strike rate of 109.08.
An all-rounder, Gardner is also a prolific off-spin bowler, having taken 104 wickets at an average of 22.51, including a five-wicket haul.
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Ashleigh Gardner’s remarkable performance not only strengthened Australia’s position in the World Cup but also showcased her talent as one of the premier all-rounders in women’s cricket. Fans and cricket enthusiasts will eagerly watch to see what she achieves next in this tournament.
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