Alyssa Healy produced one of the finest innings in the history of women’s cricket, smashing 142 off 107 balls as Australia pulled off the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history, beating India by three wickets in Visakhapatnam. It was a match that not only underlined Healy’s class but also demonstrated Australia’s unmatched ability to thrive under pressure.
India, put in to bat first, compiled an imposing total of 330 — a score that would normally be enough to seal victory. Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) set the tone with a composed 155-run partnership for the opening wicket. But after their dismissals, India’s middle order faltered once again, collapsing in the final overs despite flashes of resistance from Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma. Australia’s Annabel Sutherland starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 5 for 40 — her first five-wicket haul in World Cups.
When Australia began their chase, they faced immediate trouble. The early loss of Litchfield and Mooney brought the in-form Healy to the crease with the game hanging in the balance. From there, she orchestrated the chase with precision — mixing aggression and patience in perfect measure. Her driving through the off side, use of feet against spin, and composure under pressure defined the innings. Each time India found a breakthrough, Healy answered back with boundaries that kept the required run rate within reach.
Ashleigh Gardner (45) and Ellyse Perry (47 not out) provided vital support, ensuring that Australia never lost momentum. Perry’s calm presence at the end was crucial after Healy fell with victory in sight. The pair’s partnership demonstrated Australia’s trademark depth — a combination of experience, belief, and skill that has made them the most dominant force in women’s cricket.
Healy’s innings was not just about runs but about timing and leadership. Coming into the match with scrutiny over her recent form, she responded in the most emphatic way possible — leading from the front, taking control of a record chase, and ensuring Australia’s campaign regained momentum after a shaky start to the tournament. Her 142, filled with 19 boundaries and two sixes, will go down as one of the greatest knocks ever played in a World Cup chase.
For India, the defeat was a bitter one. Despite posting a mammoth total, their bowlers failed to maintain discipline at key moments. Charani’s spin (3 for 41) was the lone bright spot, but frequent misfields and poor execution at the death cost them dearly. India’s inability to defend totals continues to be a recurring issue — one that could derail their World Cup ambitions if not fixed immediately.
Australia’s chase of 331 broke the previous record for the highest successful pursuit in women’s ODIs, surpassing Sri Lanka’s 302 against South Africa last year. More importantly, it reaffirmed why Australia remain the gold standard of women’s cricket — capable of rewriting history on any given day, powered by a leader who thrives in the biggest moments.
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