WBBL 2025: Ashleigh Gardner’s all-round display leads Sydney Sixers to an 16-run victory over Melbourne Stars

In a thrilling WBBL 2025 encounter at Drummoyne Oval, Sydney, the Sydney Sixers Women emerged victorious by 16 runs over the Melbourne Stars Women. Batting first, the Sixers posted a competitive total of 164/5 in their 20 overs. Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive half-century (50 off 31 balls) was the highlight of their innings, and she followed up with a brilliant bowling performance, taking 3 wickets for 31 runs. In response, the Stars fell short, managing only 148/8, despite Maia Bouchier‘s valiant 67 off 40 balls. With this win, the Sixers solidified their position at the top of the WBBL standings.

WBBL 2025: Ashleigh Gardner’s match-winning performance

Gardner’s all-round brilliance was the defining factor in the Sixers’ victory. After a solid start from Sophia Dunkley (41 off 37 balls), Gardner took charge with both bat and ball. Her quick-fire 50 ensured that the Sixers posted a challenging total, and she played with great composure, hitting 8 boundaries. With the ball, she was equally devastating, dismissing key players like Meg Lanning, Kim Garth and Georgia Prestwidge to swing the match in her team’s favor. Her all-round efforts earned her the Player of the Match award, and her 3 wickets played a pivotal role in containing the Stars’ chase.

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WBBL 2025: Melbourne Stars’ batting falls short against Sydney Sixers

Despite a promising start from Bouchier, who scored a quickfire 67, the Stars could not chase down the target. Bouchier played a lone hand, hitting 10 boundaries and 1 six, but lacked support from the other end. The Stars’ top order faltered early, with key wickets falling to Gardner, Brown and Amelia Kerr. A series of soft dismissals, including Rhys McKenna and Lanning, left the Stars in a hole, and they were unable to recover. The Sixers’ bowlers kept up the pressure throughout, with Lauren Cheatle and Mady Villiers also chipping in with crucial wickets, ensuring that the Stars fell short by 16 runs.