Visakhapatnam, India – In a thrilling encounter at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Australia defeated India by three wickets in a high-scoring match in the Women's World Cup 2025, setting a new record for the highest successful chase in women's ODI history. Australia chased down a target of 331 with one over to spare, propelled by a brilliant century from their captain, Alyssa Healy.
India had earlier posted a formidable total of 330 in 48.5 overs, after a strong opening partnership of 155 runs between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. Mandhana scored a blistering 80 off 66 balls, while Rawal contributed a composed 75 off 96 deliveries. Jemimah Rodrigues (33) and Richa Ghosh (32) also added quick-fire cameos to boost India's total.
Australia's chase began strongly, with Healy leading the charge. She struck her second ODI ton against India and her first at the tournament. Healy's innings of 142 runs off 107 balls was studded with 21 fours and 3 sixes. She dominated the Indian bowlers, particularly pacer Kranti Gaud, hitting her for a six and three fours in a single over. She reached her fifty in just 35 balls, the fastest in the tournament.
Despite losing Phoebe Litchfield early, caught out at point off Sree Charani's bowling, Healy and Litchfield had provided a solid start with an 85-run stand. Ellyse Perry had to retire hurt, but Healy found valuable support in Ashleigh Gardner, who contributed 45 runs in a 95-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
India fought back withSree Charani, who was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 41 runs. She dismissed Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland, and eventually Healy. Deepti Sharma also bowled a tight spell, finishing with 2/52.
After Healy's dismissal, Australia experienced a tense period, losing Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, and Sophie Molineux in quick succession. However, Ellyse Perry returned to the crease and, with an unbeaten 47, guided Australia to victory. Perry sealed the win in style, hitting Sneh Rana for a six over her head.
Alyssa Healy was named player of the match for her outstanding innings. After the match, Healy acknowledged that Sree Charani posed a significant threat and that Australia had to adapt their strategy to target other bowlers.
The win marked Australia's second victory in the tournament, placing them at the top of the standings. India, after a shaky start to their campaign and failing to build on early breakthroughs against South Africa, will aim to recover from this loss.
