Centurion Gardner’s epic heroics blast ‘Canes off the park

Sydney Sixers captain Ashleigh Gardner delivered a dominant performance with bat and ball to lead her side to an 87-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes at Drummoyne Oval. Gardner struck 124 off 60 deliveries, including 10 sixes, and combined with Alice Capsey (54 not out) in a 176-run fourth-wicket partnership after the Sixers slumped to 3-6. Gardner also claimed 3-22 with the ball as the Sixers posted 8-196.

In response, the defending champions Hobart Hurricanes collapsed early, falling to 5-26 inside eight overs before being bowled out for 109. Gardner struck on her first delivery to dismiss Lizelle Lee and bowled Nicola Carey five balls later, while 17-year-old Caoimhe Bray took 2-14. The victory moved the Sixers to a 2-0 record on the season.