Visakhapatnam: Australia etched their name in cricket history with a world-record run chase, defeating India by three wickets in a high-octane Women’s World Cup 2025 clash on Sunday. Led by captain Alyssa Healy’s magnificent 142 off 107 balls, the Australian side chased down 331 runs, breaking Sri Lanka’s previous record chase of 302 set in 2024.
With this victory, Australia climbed to the top of the points table with seven points, while India slipped to third with four.
Alyssa Healy’s Captain’s Knock Sets the Stage
Alyssa Healy’s innings was a masterclass in timing, placement, and control. Her knock featured 21 boundaries and three sixes, leaving the Indian bowlers searching for answers. She took special liking to pacer Kranti Gaud, smashing a six and three fours in a single over. Against spinner Sneh Rana, Healy showcased exceptional sweep shots, picking gaps between square leg and mid-wicket with precision.
She reached her half-century in just 35 balls, the fastest fifty of the tournament, and later brought up her sixth WODI hundred — her first as captain — with a single off Deepti Sharma.
Healy found steady support in Ashleigh Gardner, who played a crucial hand with 45 runs in their 95-run fourth-wicket stand after Ellyse Perry had to retire hurt. Though Healy was eventually dismissed for 142, caught by substitute Radha Yadav off Sri Charani, her innings had already set the tone for a record-breaking chase.
Perry’s Return Seals the Win
Australia faced a brief collapse after Healy’s dismissal, losing Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, and Sophie Molineux in quick succession. But Ellyse Perry’s return to the crease proved decisive. Her unbeaten 47 runs guided Australia home with composure and class, sealing the historic win in Vizag.
Sri Charani’s Spell Offers Hope for India
For India, Sri Charani was the standout bowler with an economical and impactful spell of 10-1-41-3, including the wickets of Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland. Her performance was one of the few positives in what turned into a tough outing for the Indian bowling attack.
Mandhana and Rawal Lay the Foundation for India
Earlier, India’s innings revolved around a spectacular 155-run opening stand between Smriti Mandhana (80 off 66) and Pratika Rawal (75 off 96). Their partnership, coming off just 24.3 overs, gave India a flying start. Mandhana’s fluent stroke play included an 18-run over against Sophie Molineux, while Rawal’s composure at the other end provided balance.
During her knock, Mandhana reached the milestone of 5000 WODI runs, becoming the fastest and youngest female cricketer to achieve the feat — another proud moment for Indian cricket.
Middle Order Falters Despite Strong Start
Despite the dream start, India’s middle order once again faltered. After the openers’ dismissal, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol fell in quick succession, reducing India to 240 for 4 by the 38th over. Richa Ghosh (33) and Jemimah Rodrigues (28) added a valuable 54-run stand for the fifth wicket, pushing India to a competitive total of 330 runs.
Australia’s Annabel Sutherland delivered a stunning performance with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 40 runs, using deceptive slower deliveries in the death overs to restrict India from reaching an even higher total.
A Historic Chase and a Statement Win
Australia’s record-breaking chase not only showcased their batting depth and resilience but also underlined their dominance in the women’s game. For India, despite an encouraging top-order display and individual milestones, the inability to defend a strong total exposed key bowling and fielding gaps.
As the tournament heats up, the Australia vs India clash in Vizag will be remembered as a historic chapter — the night when Alyssa Healy’s brilliance powered Australia to the highest-ever successful run chase in women’s ODI history.
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