Australia achieved the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI cricket history. They chased down India’s formidable total of 330 runs with three wickets to spare. The thrilling match concluded with an over to spare under dewy conditions in Visakhapatnam.
Alyssa Healy’s spectacular 142-run innings powered the Australian victory. Her 107-ball knock included 21 fours and three sixes, showcasing aggressive batting. This was her sixth ODI hundred and third at World Cups, cementing her legacy.
Ellyse Perry sealed the win with a six off the final ball of the 49th over. Her unbeaten 47 ensured Australia finished at 331-7, sparking celebrations. The defending champions demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure.
India had set a challenging target thanks to Smriti Mandhana’s brilliant 80 off 66 balls. She smashed nine fours and three sixes, providing a flying start. Mandhana and Pratika Rawal put on 155 runs for the first wicket.
This partnership marked India’s best opening stand of the tournament. It was also the first-ever 150-plus opening stand against Australia in women’s ODIs. Mandhana’s innings included significant personal milestones.
She crossed 1,000 calendar ODI runs, a first in women’s cricket. Mandhana also reached 5,000 career runs in just 112 innings. She became the second Indian and fifth overall woman to achieve this feat.
Despite the strong start, India lost their last six wickets for just 36 runs. Annabel Sutherland triggered the collapse with her first five-wicket haul. Her figures of 5-40 proved crucial in restricting India to 330.
Sophie Molineux contributed by taking key wickets, including Mandhana and Harleen Deol. Though expensive with 3-75, her breakthroughs slowed India’s momentum. Richa Ghosh’s late 32 off 22 balls provided a final flourish.
Australia’s response began with an 85-run opening stand between Healy and Phoebe Litchfield. Litchfield scored a quick 39-ball 40, capitalizing on the dewy conditions. Healy was particularly destructive early on.
She reached fifty off just 35 balls, hitting eight fours and a six. Healy and Perry then added 69 runs for the second wicket. Perry temporarily retired hurt with a hamstring issue but returned later.
Healy’s century came off 84 balls, demonstrating her dominance. She shared a rapid 95-run partnership with Ashleigh Gardner, who scored 45. This middle-order assault kept Australia ahead of the required rate.
Late wickets from Amanjot Kaur caused some tension in the Australian camp. However, Perry’s return and Kim Garth’s support ensured the historic chase was completed. The victory moved Australia atop the World Cup standings.
Healy was deservedly named player of the match for her outstanding innings. She praised her team’s batting depth and the bowlers’ efforts in restricting India. This win extends Australia’s unbeaten World Cup run to 12 games since 2022.
India now has a week to regroup before facing England in Indore. Their previous loss to South Africa at the same venue adds pressure. Australia next plays Bangladesh on Thursday in Visakhapatnam.