Ash Gardner, Annabel Sutherland combine for 180-run stand as Aussies cruise to win over England
Defending champions Australia have continued their unbeaten World Cup run, with all-rounders Ash Gardner and Annabel Sutherland doing the damage against England.
The pair shared an unbroken 180-run partnership in a six-wicket win over their bitter rivals on Thursday morning (AEDT) to cement themselves as tournament favourites.
Gardner hit her second hundred of the tournament and Sutherland finished 98 not out as Australia recovered from 4-68 in 15.5 overs to win with 57 balls to spare.
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Ash Gardner celebrates her century ICC via Getty Images
Australia finished 4-248 in 40.3 overs in reply to England's 9-244, which made it the highest successful chase against England at a World Cup.
Both sides – along with South Africa – had already qualified for the semi finals.
Gardner scored 104 not out off 73 balls at Holkar Stadium in Indore, following up on 115 off 83 balls against New Zealand at the same venue on October 8.
The classy off-spinner put in a bowling shift with 2-39 in nine overs, while Sutherland starred with the ball as well, returning figures of 3-60 in 10 overs.
Leg-spinner Alana King kept it very tight with 1-20 in 10 overs.
“The spinners did a fantastic job, especially Alana (King), and this is hard ground to defend," Sutherland said post-game.
Alana King celebrates a wicket Getty
“We knew the game was going to keep moving and Ash is pretty good at the other end. It is always fun batting with her. When I get in, I cash in as I trust my game.”
The win takes Australia top of the standings with 11 points from six games — five wins and a no-result. The seven-time champions are currently on a 14-match unbeaten run in the tournament, stretching back to the previous edition in 2022.
Aussie captain Alyssa Healy was ruled out of the game with a calf injury but could be back by the weekend. Tahlia McGrath led the side in her absence.
