In what will be remembered as one of the greatest matches in women’s ODI history, Alyssa Healy engineered an astonishing run chase to lead Australia past India in Vizag, chasing 331 — the highest target ever achieved in women’s ODI cricket.
Healy’s knock of 142 off 107 balls, studded with 21 fours and three sixes, was the cornerstone of Australia’s 3-wicket victory, sealed with six balls to spare. This was her first century as captain and elevated Australia to the top of the tournament standings with three wins and a draw in four games.
Records, milestones & greater significance
- This is the highest successful chase ever in women’s ODI cricket.
- Healy’s 142 is now the highest score in an ODI run chase against India.
- Sutherland’s 5/40 adds to her growing reputation as a genuine all-round threat in this tournament.
- For India, Mandhana reached 5,000 WODI runs during this innings, becoming the fastest and youngest Indian to achieve this milestone.
India’s strong start undone by late-innings collapse
India had built a commanding total, powered by solid contributions from Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75), whose opening stand of 155 laid the foundation. The middle order attempted to maintain momentum, with Rodrigues (33) and Richa Ghosh (32) pushing aggressively, along with others.
However, in the final overs, the innings cracked. India lost five wickets in short order, and were bowled out for 330 in 48.5 overs. Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur later acknowledged that the team faltered in execution in those death overs, despite a strong first 40 overs. She singled out spinner Shree Charani (3/41) as a bright spot for India.
Kaur admitted that India’s lower order carried some of the weight in recent matches, but in this game, the failure to convert the big total at the tail cost them dearly. With two losses now, India finds itself third in the table — a precarious position for the remainder of the tournament.
Australia’s chase: grit, composure, and clutch partnerships
Australia’s chase began in explosive fashion. Phoebe Litchfield provided brisk support at the top (40 off 39), helping to relieve some pressure from Healy. When Litchfield fell to Charani, Healy was joined by Ashleigh Gardner, and their 95-run stand steadied the cha
Midway, there was a wobble: India struck back with wickets, and at one point Australia was 265/4. But Healy held firm, and Ellyse Perry, who had retired hurt earlier, returned to play a crucial finishing role, remaining unbeaten on 47*.
She closed out the chase with a six in the final over. Australia’s bowlers had earlier applied pressure, with Annabel Sutherland taking 5/40, a career-best, and Sophie Molineux fetching 3 wickets. Their combined effort turned the tide in India’s final overs, stalling further acceleration.
Healy later described the win as “new territory” — chasing a 330+ total is no small feat. She credited Litchfield for freeing her at the non-striker’s end and hailed Perry’s calm return to bat.
What this means for both teams
Australia
This win underlines Australia’s depth, resilience, and championship temperament. To chase 330+ in global conditions demands execution under pressure — and they delivered. They sit atop the table now, with momentum firmly in their favour. The ability to win in high-stakes conditions will make them even tougher to beat as the tournament progresses.
India
While India’s batting sparkled early, the failure to close is a warning sign. If they want to vie for the title, they must tighten their death over planning, execution, and perhaps deepen their bowling bench. The next matches are critical — losses could end their title aspirations prematurely.
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