VISAKHAPATNAM, India: Australia pulled off the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history to beat India by three wickets in a thrilling ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
Skipper Alyssa Healy led from the front with a magnificent century, while all-rounder Ellyse Perry, battling injury, returned to guide her team home with a composed unbeaten knock and a six to seal the victory.
The victory propelled Australia to the top of the tournament standings, underlining their dominance in women’s cricket.
Healy’s Masterclass Sets Up Historic Chase
Chasing India’s formidable total of 331, Australia got off to a strong start as Healy and opener Phoebe Litchfield added 85 for the first wicket.
Healy then forged key partnerships with Perry and Ashleigh Gardner to keep the chase on track, eventually falling for a sublime 142 — her 10th ODI hundred.
Her innings, laced with 18 fours and four sixes, laid the foundation for Australia’s record-breaking pursuit.
Perry, who had earlier retired hurt on 32 due to cramps, returned at a crucial stage to steady the innings and finish unbeaten on 47 off 52 balls.
Despite losing wickets in quick succession during the middle overs, Australia reached the target with six balls to spare, sealing the highest-ever chase in women’s ODI cricket history.
Perry’s Grit and Sutherland’s Breakthroughs
Perry’s return proved decisive after Gardner’s dismissal by Amanjot Kaur had given India hope of a late comeback.
The veteran all-rounder kept her composure under pressure and finished the match in style, launching Rana’s delivery for a six down the ground to seal victory.
Earlier, Annabel Sutherland was instrumental in restricting India’s total, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul as the hosts collapsed from 294-4 to 330 all out in 48.5 overs.
Mandhana’s Milestone in Vain
India’s innings had been powered by openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, who added 155 for the first wicket.
Mandhana struck 80 off 66 balls, becoming the fastest batter to reach 5,000 runs in women’s ODIs and the first to complete 1,000 runs in a calendar year.
Cameos from Harleen Deol (38), Jemimah Rodrigues (33), Richa Ghosh (32), and Harmanpreet Kaur (22) pushed India past 300 before Sutherland’s late strikes derailed the innings.
Player of the Match Alyssa Healy praised her team’s composure and depth.
“Really proud of the group to pull ourselves over the line there,” Healy said. “I kept preaching the depth we’ve got, and the bowlers did brilliantly to pull it back, or we could have been chasing 360-plus.”
Perry credited her teammates’ belief and resilience: “It was tough out there after I went off, but I knew I had to come back and finish it. The group showed real calm and fight – that’s what makes this team special.”
The victory lifted Australia to the top of the Women’s World Cup 2025 table, with three wins from four matches. India, with two wins and two defeats, remain third and will next face England in a crucial group-stage encounter.
