Visakhapatnam: Alyssa Healy once again proved why she’s one of the most feared batters in women’s cricket, leading Australia to a stunning three-wicket victory over India in what turned out to be a record-breaking run 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, powered 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 overhaul India’s formidable total of 330 in exactly 49 overs, reclaiming 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 honoured former captain Mithali Raj with a stand in her name and recognised Raavi Kalpana by dedicating a stadium gate to her.

The home side’s opening duo, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, then lit up the ground with a breathtaking 155-run partnership. Mandhana, oozing confidence, opened her account with a stylish cover drive that set the tone for what was to come.

Mandhana’s innings of 80 was a blend of precision and flair. Her boundaries off Ash Gardner in the 16th over showcased the class that has made her India’s batting mainstay. In the process, she also crossed the 5,000-run milestone in ODIs, joining an elite list of Indian batters.

Rawal, meanwhile, was equally impressive, crafting 75 off 69 balls, bringing up her half-century with an exquisite straight drive. The pair’s partnership gave India the perfect platform to post a mammoth total.

But once both openers fell in quick succession — Mandhana caught by Phoebe Litchfield off Sophie Molineux and Rawal dismissed by Annabel Sutherland — India’s middle order began to stutter.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (22) and Harleen Deol (38) made starts but couldn’t convert them into big scores. A brisk stand between Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues reignited hopes, but Sutherland’s fiery spell turned the match around.

Sutherland’s figures of 5 for 40 not only restricted India’s late charge but also earned her the spotlight with the ball. India’s lower order faltered, and the hosts were eventually bowled out for 330 in 48.5 overs, leaving what seemed like a steep challenge for the Australians.

Healy’s innings of steel and style

If India’s innings was about promise, Australia’s reply was all about perseverance and power. Healy and her opening partner Phoebe Litchfield gave the visitors a flying start with an 85-run opening stand.

Healy reached her fifty in just 35 balls, showing her intent early by punishing anything loose. Litchfield’s dismissal for 40 off Sree Charani briefly halted momentum, but Healy found solid support in Ellyse Perry.

At 170 for three, with Perry retiring hurt and two quick wickets falling, the game appeared to tilt India’s way. Yet, Healy had other ideas. Her ability to rotate the strike, pick gaps, and accelerate at will was a masterclass in tactical batting.

Her century, the first as captain and sixth overall, came in the 31st over. She followed it up by taking the game by the scruff of the neck, adding another 42 runs in just 23 balls before Sneh Rana’s diving catch finally ended her innings.

Still, India sniffed a chance when Tahlia McGrath, Ash Gardner, and Sophie Molineux fell in quick succession, leaving Australia precariously placed at 303 for seven, needing 28 more to win.

In walked a determined Ellyse Perry — back from her injury break — to finish what Healy had started. Alongside Kim Garth, Perry played with calm assurance, and fittingly, she sealed the deal with a towering six straight down the ground to complete the historic chase.

Australia finished on 331/7 in 49 overs, scripting one of the greatest comebacks in the women’s game.

Post-match reflections: pride and perspective

Healy, named Player of the Match, was all smiles yet humble in victory. She said, “Really proud of the group,” she said. “We’ve been talking about our depth, and chasing 330 proved that. The bowlers did a fantastic job pulling it back — we could’ve been chasing 360. I was just trying to lock in 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 hard to score freely,” Healy admitted.

For India, captain Harmanpreet Kaur was candid in her post-match remarks. “The way we started, we could’ve added another 30-40 runs,” she said. “The last six overs cost us badly. Openers were outstanding, but we didn’t finish strong. We’ll need to regroup — these things happen,” she said.

Kaur also lauded Charani’s spirited spell and expressed faith in her bowling unit despite the setback. “She’s been outstanding. Even when Healy was batting, she didn’t give anything easily. Two bad games won’t shake our confidence.”

Healy, summing up the victory, called it “new territory” for Australia. “Chasing 330 in a World Cup match is something we’ve never done before,” she said. “We’ll take the two points and hopefully not have to do it again!”

Score 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

(Alyssa Healy 142, Ellyse Perry 47*; Sree Charani 3/41, Deepti Sharma 2/52)

Result: Australia won by 3 wickets.