Visakhapatnam: Alyssa Healy once again proved why she is one of the most feared batsmen in women’s cricket, leading Australia to a stunning three-wicket win over India in a record-breaking chase at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
The Australian captain’s majestic knock of 142 off 107 balls, decorated with 21 fours and three sixes, propelled her side to successfully chase down 331 – the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history.
Healy’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression and composure under pressure. Despite losing wickets at crucial stages, Australia managed to surpass India’s impressive total of 330 in exactly 49 overs and regain their position at the top of the group standings with three wins from four games.
India’s electric start – but missed opportunity
India’s day began on a celebratory note both on and off the field. The ACA-VDCA Stadium honored former captain Mithali Raj with a stand in her name and paid tribute to Raavi Kalpana by dedicating a stadium goal to her.
The home team’s opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal then turned heads with a stunning 155-run partnership. Exuding confidence, Mandhana opened her account with a stylish cover that set the tone for what was to come.
Mandhana’s innings of 80 was a mix of precision and flair. Her boundaries against Ash Gardner in the 16th over showed the class that has made her India’s main strike force. In the process, she also crossed the 5,000-run milestone in ODIs and joined the elite list of Indian batters.
Rawal, meanwhile, was equally impressive, making 75 off 69 balls and bringing up her half-century with an exquisite straight drive. The couple’s partnership gave India the perfect platform to fetch a mammoth sum.
But when both openers failed in quick succession – Mandhana was caught by Phoebe Litchfield off Sophie Molineux and Rawal was sent off by Annabel Sutherland – India’s middle order sputtered.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (22) and Harleen Deol (38) started but could not convert them into big points. A brisk duel between Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues raised new hopes, but Sutherland’s fire spell turned the game around.
Sutherland’s figures of 5 for 40 not only limited India’s late attack but also brought her into the limelight with the ball. India’s lower order faltered and the hosts were eventually bowled out for 330 in 48.5 overs, posing a seemingly big challenge for the Australians.
Healy’s innings of steel and style
If India’s innings was about promise, Australia’s response was all about endurance and power. Healy and her opening partner Phoebe Litchfield got the visitors off to a flying start with an opening stand of 85 runs.
Healy reached her 50 in just 35 balls and showed her intent early on by punishing anything that was too loose. Litchfield’s dismissal for 40 against Sree Charani briefly slowed the momentum, but Healy found solid support in Ellyse Perry.
At 170 for three, an injured Perry and two quick wickets falling, the game seemed to be turning for India. But Healy had other ideas. Her ability to rotate the strike, close gaps, and accelerate at will was a masterclass in tactical striking.
Her century, her first as captain and sixth overall, came in the 31st year. She then took the game by the neck and added another 42 runs in just 23 balls before Sneh Rana finally ended her innings with her diving catch.
Still, India sensed a chance when Tahlia McGrath, Ash Gardner and Sophie Molineux fell in quick succession, leaving Australia with seven sevens to a precarious 303 and needing 28 more to win.
Determined Ellyse Perry – back from injury – came in and finished what Healy had started. Playing alongside Kim Garth, Perry played with calm confidence and, fittingly, she sealed the deal with a massive six straight off the ground, completing the historic comeback.
Australia finished 49 overs at 331/7, achieving one of the greatest comebacks in women’s football.
Post-Game Reflections: Pride and Perspective
Healy, who was named player of the match, was smiling yet humble about the win. She said: “Really proud of the group,” she said. “We talked about our depth and the pursuit of 330 proved that. The bowlers did a fantastic job of bringing it back – we could have chased 360. I was just trying to secure myself for a big day and it worked.”
She also had words of praise for India’s young pacer Sree Charani, who impressed with figures of 3 for 41. “Charani bowled really well tonight. She made it difficult to score freely,” admitted Healy.
For India, captain Harmanpreet Kaur was candid after the game. “The way we started, we could have added another 30 to 40 runs,” she said. “The last six overs cost us a lot. The openers were excellent but we didn’t finish strong. We need to regroup – these things happen,” she said.
Kaur also praised Charani’s spirited performance and expressed confidence in her bowling unit despite the setback. “She was outstanding. Even when Healy hit, she didn’t give up easily. Two bad games won’t shake our confidence.”
Healy summed up the victory, calling it “uncharted territory” for Australia. “Chasing a 330 in a World Cup game is something we’ve never done before,” she said. “We get the two points and hopefully we don’t have to do it again!”
Results summary
India 330 all out in 48.5 overs
(Smriti Mandhana 80, Pratika Rawal 75; Annabel Sutherland 5/40, Sophie Molineux 3/75)
Australia 331/7 in 49.0 overs
(Althssa of Healy 142, Perry 47*; Survey 3/41, Deepti Sharma 2/52)
Result: Australia won by 3 wickets.
