Visakhapatnam, India – In a thrilling encounter at the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, Australia pulled off a record-breaking chase to defeat India by three wickets. The defending champions successfully chased down a target of 331, the highest ever in Women's One Day International (ODI) history, with six balls to spare. This victory propels Australia to the top of the standings, while India, the host nation, slips to third after their second consecutive defeat.
India's innings was built upon a formidable opening partnership of 155 runs between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. Mandhana's aggressive innings of 80, scored off just 66 balls, included nine fours and three sixes. In the process, Mandhana also achieved a milestone, becoming the first woman to score 5000 ODI runs. Rawal provided solid support with a composed 75 off 96 deliveries, featuring 10 boundaries. However, after their departure, the Indian innings lost momentum, with the team losing nine wickets for just 138 runs. A collapse in the final overs saw India finishing on 330. Annabel Sutherland starred with the ball for Australia, claiming her first ODI five-wicket haul, finishing with 5/40. Sophie Molineux also contributed with three crucial wickets.
Australia's chase was anchored by a magnificent century from captain Alyssa Healy. Healy's explosive innings of 142 runs off 107 balls, including 21 fours and three sixes, set the tone for the chase. She shared a rapid opening stand with Phoebe Litchfield. Healy's century was her sixth in ODIs and the first as captain.
Despite Healy's brilliance, India fought back, with Amanjot Sharma dismissing Ashleigh Gardner and Sophie Molineux in quick succession. Ellyse Perry, who had earlier retired hurt due to cramps, returned to the crease to guide Australia through a tense phase. Perry remained unbeaten on 47, partnering with Kim Garth to see Australia over the line. Perry sealed the victory with a six.
The Australian run chase surpassed the previous record of 302 set by Sri Lanka against South Africa in April 2024. This match also saw a record-breaking 13 sixes hit, the most in a Women's World Cup game, and the total of 661 runs scored across both innings ranks as the third-highest match aggregate in Women's ODIs.
Healy was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance. "Really proud of the group to pull ourselves over the line there," Healy said. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged that her team fell short by 40-50 runs and also said, "I think we did well, but the last five overs are what cost us".
