Ashleigh Gardner is rediscovering her best form in T20 cricket at the perfect time, spearheading Australia's push for a seventh T20 World Cup title.

She backed up her 53 not out against India with a brilliant all-round effort in Tuesday's semi-final against West Indies at The Oval, taking 2-13 from four overs and smashing an unbeaten 35 from 20 deliveries.

Gardner endured a frustrating run between World Cups, playing just five of 12 T20Is from January 2025 to March 2026 due to three separate injuries: a calf strain, a finger injury, and a hamstring issue. Those setbacks hampered her momentum, with just 72 runs at a strike rate of 116 and three wickets at 33 across those appearances.

This came during her career-best ODI form, in which she scored three hundreds in 2025 and rose to No. 1 in the ODI all-rounder rankings.

A sprained ankle forced her to miss the Bangladesh group game, but Gardner said she's finally building confidence. "I'm just trying to keep my cricket as simple as possible," she said. "Whenever I get the opportunity, I want to put the team in a winning position."

Teammate Beth Mooney noted Gardner's growing confidence. "She's been a critical player for us for a long time. We know the threat she poses to other teams."

Gardner's all-round skills will be vital in Sunday's final at Lord's against either England or South Africa.
Gardner's all-round skills will be vital in Sunday's final at Lord's against either England or South Africa.