Australia beat England by six wickets:Ashleigh Gardner slams century, Beaumont’s 78-run knock go in vain; Annabel Sutherland awarded POTM

Australia continued their dominant run in the Women’s World Cup with a convincing six-wicket victory over England on Wednesday. The all-round duo of Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner played starring roles first with the ball and then with a record-breaking partnership that sealed the game. Chasing a target of 245, Australia were in early trouble at 24 for 3. But Sutherland’s unbeaten 98 and Gardner’s unbeaten 104 showed tremendous composure and power to guide their team home with 57 balls to spare. Their unbeaten 180-run stand not only rescued Australia but also showcased the team’s batting depth and resilience. With this win, Australia maintained their unbeaten record in the tournament and reclaimed the top spot on the points table, while England’s inconsistency with both bat and ball continued to haunt them. England’s strong start fizzles out, Sutherland bags three wickets Opting to bat first, England began well with Tammy Beaumont leading the way. The opener played confidently, striking boundaries with precision and bringing up her first fifty of the tournament off 44 balls. She formed useful partnerships with Amy Jones (18) and Heather Knight (20) to take England to 90 for 2. Also read: ‘Collect Asia Cup Trophy from ACC Office’: Mohsin Naqvi slams BCCI for ‘petty politics’, wants to host presentation ceremony again in November However, Australia’s bowlers fought back strongly. Annabel Sutherland dismissed Jones with a beautiful delivery that clipped the off stump, breaking England’s rhythm. Spinners Sophie Molineux (2/52) and Alana King (1/20) then tightened the screws with disciplined spells. Beaumont, who top-scored with 78 from 105 balls, was finally dismissed trying to accelerate the scoring. Her lofted shot was brilliantly caught at long-on by Georgia Voll, triggering another collapse. Late efforts from Alice Capsey (38) and Charlie Dean (26) added 61 runs, helping England reach 244 for 9. Also read: Mumbai Indians eye Ishan Kishan’s return ahead of IPL mini-auction: Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals reach out Sunrisers Hyderabad for trade deal – Report Sutherland-Gardner seal the chase for Australia Australia’s chase began poorly as the English new-ball pair Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith reduced them to 24 for 3 in just six overs. But Sutherland and Gardner steadied the innings with patience before counter-attacking fearlessly. Sutherland, who had already impressed with the ball (3/60), played a mature innings, while Gardner’s aggressive stroke play kept the scoreboard moving. Together, they rebuilt the innings and finished the job in style, ensuring Australia crossed the target with ease.