Australia pull off record-breaking run chase to beat India in Women’s ODI

Australia produced a sensational display of batting power and composure to chase down a massive target of 331, defeating India by three wickets in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history.

Captain Alyssa Healy led from the front with a breathtaking 142 off 107 balls, as the defending champions hunted down India’s total of 330 with an over to spare under the lights. Ellyse Perry sealed the victory in style, smashing a six off the final ball of the 49th over to finish unbeaten on 47.

The win keeps Australia unbeaten at the Women’s Cricket World Cup, following earlier victories over New Zealand and Pakistan, and extends their incredible streak to 12 consecutive World Cup wins since 2022.

Healy’s Masterclass Anchors Australia’s Chase

In one of the finest innings of her career, Alyssa Healy produced a captain’s knock that will be remembered for years. Her 142 featured 21 boundaries and three sixes, marking her sixth ODI century, her second against India, and her third in World Cups.

Healy and Phoebe Litchfield got Australia off to a flying start with an 85-run opening stand, taking advantage of the dewy outfield. Litchfield contributed a brisk 40 off 39 balls before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Shree Charani.

Ellyse Perry, who battled through a minor hamstring issue, shared a 69-run stand with Healy to keep the chase steady. Later partnerships with Ashleigh Gardner (45) and Kim Garth (17 not out) helped Australia stay ahead of the required rate even as wickets fell late in the innings.

Recommended: Chakravarthy spins India past New Zealand setting up semi-final clash with Australia

After Healy’s dismissal in the 39th over, India sensed a late comeback, but Perry’s calm presence and power hitting saw Australia home in emphatic fashion.

India’s Record Start and Costly Collapse

Earlier, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal powered India to a record-breaking start, adding 155 runs for the first wicket, the nation’s highest-ever opening stand against Australia in women’s ODIs.

Mandhana played a stunning innings of 80 off 66 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes, while Rawal contributed a patient 75 off 96.

Mandhana’s knock was historic:

• She became the first woman to score 1000 ODI runs in a calendar year.
• She reached 5000 career runs in just 112 innings, the second-fastest ever in women’s cricket.

India appeared set for a 350-plus total, but a middle-order collapse derailed their innings. From 294-5, they lost their last six wickets for just 36 runs.

Annabel Sutherland was the star with the ball, taking a career-best 5-40. She dismissed Rawal to break the opening stand and triggered India’s late collapse. Sophie Molineux (3-75) also chipped in despite going for runs, while Richa Ghosh (32 off 22) provided a brief flourish at the death.

Unstoppable Australia extend World Cup dominance

The victory underlined Australia’s unmatched depth and mental strength in high-pressure chases. Healy’s fearless stroke play set the tone, and Perry’s experience sealed it.

“We’ve been talking about our batting depth all tournament, and this chase proves it,” Healy said after receiving the Player of the Match award. “Credit to our bowlers for pulling it back — we could have been chasing 360.”

Australia now sit comfortably atop the Women’s World Cup standings, while India will rue another narrow loss after falling to South Africa in their previous match at the same venue.

The champions next face Bangladesh on Thursday, while India will have a week off before taking on England in Indore.

Match Summary

• Result: Australia won by 3 wickets
• Venue: ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
• India: 330 all out (48.5 overs)
• Australia: 331/7 (49 overs)
• Player of the Match: Alyssa Healy (142 off 107 balls)
• Key Stats:
  • Highest successful chase in women’s ODI history
  • Mandhana first woman to score 1000 ODI runs in a calendar year
  • Sutherland’s maiden five-wicket haul (5-40)

SportsLigue