Captain Alyssa Healy powered Australia to the highest successful run-chase in women's ODI history, as they defeated India by three wickets in a thrilling World Cup encounter on Sunday. Chasing a record target of 331, Healy’s impeccably paced 142 off 107 balls anchored the innings, handing the hosts their second consecutive loss at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam and dampening their knockout stage hopes.
Put in to bat, India's top order finally fired, posting their highest-ever World Cup total of 330. Openers Smriti Mandhana, 80 and Pratika Rawal, 75 laid a superb foundation with a 155-run partnership. Mandhana’s innings also saw her become the fastest woman to reach 5000 ODI runs. A late surge from Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh pushed the total past 300, but a collapse, led by Annabel Sutherland's five-wicket haul, 5/40, saw India bowled out in 48.5 overs when a score closer to 350 looked possible.
In response, Australia relied on their captain, who had struggled for form in the tournament. Healy targeted India's pacers and built crucial partnerships, first an 85-run stand with Phoebe Litchfield and then a steadying one with Ellyse Perry. Her innings, her first century as captain, set a new record for the highest individual score against India in a Women's World Cup, turning the pressure back on the Indian bowlers.
India’s decision to play with only five frontline bowlers came under scrutiny as their seamers proved expensive. While left-arm spinner Sree Charani was outstanding with figures of 3/41 and created a brief opening by dismissing key batters, the lack of options hurt captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Ellyse Perry, who had earlier retired hurt with cramps, returned to the crease in the final overs to hit the winning six and seal the victory with six balls to spare.
After the match, Healy admitted to second-guessing her decision to bowl first. "I think about eight overs in, I said, 'Oh God, what have I done?' I thought we were chasing 380 at one point," she said. "To chase down 330 in a 50-over game for us is new territory, so I’m glad that we’ve got the confidence to do that now."
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged the batting effort but conceded they fell short at the death. On the five-bowler strategy, she said, "We will sit and discuss. Because this combination has given us a lot of success in the past. I think two bad games are not going to make a big difference for us." She also praised Sree Charani's performance, adding, "She has been outstanding. She’s always there whenever the team needs her."
