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Australia's Ash Gardner delivered a performance for the ages, cementing her place as one of cricket's most formidable all-rounders. Her maiden one-day international century, described as "one of the best Ashes innings," set the stage for a resounding Australian victory over England in Hobart.
Rescuing Australia from a precarious 59-4, Gardner's composed, run-a-ball 102 anchored the innings, helping her team post an imposing total of 308-8. Contributions from Beth Mooney (50), Tahlia McGrath (55 off 45 balls), and a blistering cameo by Georgia Wareham (38 off 12 balls) ensured England had no answer to the world champions' dominance.
Gardner's exploits didn't end with the bat. In a moment that will be etched in cricketing history, she executed a jaw-dropping catch in the 41st over, leaping over the boundary to turn what seemed like a certain six into a wicket. Described as the "catch of the century," the feat underlined Australia's superiority in all facets of the game.
Australia now leads the points-based multi-format Women's Ashes series 6-0. England faces a daunting task, needing to win all remaining matches to reclaim the Ashes, which has been in Australia's possession for over a decade. The series continues with the first T20 in Sydney on Monday.
