Gardner scored the fastest ever hundred in the WBBL, hitting her first T20 century off just 47 balls. Gardner smashed the white ball for six to get to the triple-digit score in style. She also now holds the title for the highest individual score with 114 runs off 52 deliveries.
“It’s so surreal honestly. I never thought I was going to score a hundred in this game. It was just so awesome to be out there with Pez,” Gardner said.
Gardner came in at 1-10 and put on a glorious batting display with Sixers captain Ellyse Perry. The pair set the game up for the magenta girls with a 150-run partnership in the middle. Gardner praised Perry’s performance, who was 91 not out, and said Perry’s experience makes her an amazing batting partner.
“I think she’s just awesome to bat with and obviously telling me what to do. She was there to help me whenever I needed it.”
Although she scored an awesome ton for the Sixers, Gardner was disappointed she couldn't stay out there for longer with eight overs left in the game.
“When I got out it was the 13th or 14th over and the thing I was most disappointed about was that I had so much time to bat. I did score 100 runs so I was stoked about that but obviously coming off, I was still pretty annoyed about that.”
Gardner’s brilliant form is also a credit to her recent success in the Ashes series. She scored an important 27 runs (18 balls) to help the Aussies claim their first win in the campaign.
“Being around that group is full of so much experience and I think having that coaching as well was just a really awesome thing and being able to play for my country is a pretty awesome experience. Just being involved in an Ashes campaign like a dream.”
However, celebrations can’t last long for the Sixers girls with a tough game against cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder, who won their first match against the Melbourne Renegades. Gardner said she is ready to go in the Sydney Derby.
“This is the first ever time we’ve won the first game of the Big Bash and we don't want to take anything lightly. Coming back tomorrow to play the Thunder is just as important. Obviously we want to get one up on them early in the season and hopefully go back-to-back.”
The game commences tomorrow at 2pm at North Sydney Oval.