Gardner reflects on Australia's incredible run following IWC triumph

Australia capped off a successful year with a commanding victory over New Zealand in the third ODI at Wellington, securing a 2-0 sweep in the three-match series.

Following the 75-run win in Wellington, all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, who struck a game-changing 74, reflected on the team’s achievements and the journey that brought them here.

"It caps off a pretty good year for us," Gardner said in the post-match press conference.

"Coming off the World Cup, we had a point to prove, and 50-over cricket is probably our best format. We were clinical in all games. To finish off the year like that, going home with another trophy that’s got Australia written all over it is pretty pleasing.

"We saw people shine in different spots. Where the team is at the moment, we’re in a really positive space. We’ve done a lot of talking, and now it’s about action.”

Read: Australia claim ICC Women's Championship honours after win in Wellington

Gardner highlighted the contributions of several players throughout the series, including the stellar form of Annabelle Sutherland.

Sutherland’s all-round brilliance with both bat and ball, scoring 147 runs and clinching three wickets as well, stood out as a key factor in Australia’s dominance.

"To watch Belsy [Annabelle Sutherland] do what she does with both bat and ball in hand, at number 5, breaking records like she always does. To see people like that standing up under pressure.

“For such a young player, she’s gotten her head switched on. The conversations we have around the field are really simple. The language is really clear and concise in what we both do really well. Sometimes where you're at the other end and Belsy’s firing it, good to just give her the strike.”

ICC Women's Championship 2025 Standings

Australia’s ODI dominance has been underlined by their incredible record in the current ICC Women’s Championship, winning 18 of their 24 games, with three loses and as many no results to their name. Gardner spoke about the team’s consistency and commitment to maintaining high standards and set an example.

"It's such a long period of time to accumulate all those points. The ODI series we’ve played in have been pretty clinical. We always speak about wanting to win 3-0 in every series. I think we’ve lost only three games in 24-25 games; it’s a pretty good feat."

Reflecting on her excitement about the upcoming Women’s Ashes, in which a historic day-night Test match is set to take place at the MCG, Gardner said, "To be playing at a venue like the SCG, which is my favourite ground in the world. There’s so much history there, and we haven’t played many international games since I've been involved in the team.

“To have the Ashes there, what better way to draw some crowds in. And to top it off with the Test match at the MCG, day-night, it’s going to be a pretty good spectacle."