Sydney Sixers captain Ashleigh Gardner produced a remarkable batting performance against Hobart Hurricanes in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2026 on Sunday, November 1. Coming in when her team was struggling at 6/3, the Australian all-rounder turned the innings around with a sensational century at Drummoyne Oval.
Gardner smashed 124 off 60 deliveries, including 10 fours and nine sixes, to help the Sixers post 196/8. She then picked up three wickets as the defending champions were bowled out for 109, handing the Sixers an emphatic 87-run win.
Ashleigh Gardner rescues Sydney Sixers with a stunning century
The Sixers suffered a disastrous start after losing Sophia Dunkley, Ellyse Perry and Amelia Kerr inside the first three overs. Gardner joined Alice Capsey at the crease with the team in trouble, but the pair produced a remarkable recovery. Gardner went on to score 124 off 60 balls at a strike rate of 206.66.
She shared a 176-run fourth-wicket partnership with Capsey, who remained unbeaten on 54 off 40 deliveries.Their stand helped the Sixers recover from 6/3 and take control of the innings. Gardner’s dismissal in the 18th over triggered another collapse, with the Sixers losing five wickets for seven runs. However, they had already done enough damage to finish with 196/8. The century was Gardner’s second in the WBBL and her highest score in T20 cricket.
Gardner shines with the ball as Sixers thrash Hurricanes
Hobart Hurricanes never found their footing in the chase and slipped to 26/5 in the eighth over.
Caoimhe Bray struck twice to remove Chamari Athapatthu and Rachel Trenamanwhile Gardner dismissed Lizelle Lee and captain Nicola Carey in quick succession. Gardner later returned to dismiss Chinelle Henrywho scored 32 off 20 balls.She finished with figures of 3/23, while Amelia Kerr also claimed three wickets and Bray took two.
Maddy Green top-scored for the Hurricanes with an unbeaten 42 off 33 balls, but her efforts were not enough to prevent the side from being bowled out for 109 in 17.4 overs.
