Visakhapatnam, India – In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, Australia defeated India by three wickets, achieving the highest-ever run chase in women's One Day International (ODI) history. Alyssa Healy's magnificent century spearheaded the record-breaking chase of 331, propelling Australia to the top of the tournament standings.
India, after winning the toss and being put in to bat by Australia, posted a formidable total of 330, their highest-ever in a Women's World Cup. Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a dazzling 80 off 66 balls, supported by Pratika Rawal, who scored a solid 75 off 96. The opening pair forged a commanding 155-run partnership, setting the stage for a huge total. However, Annabel Sutherland's impressive five-wicket haul and Sophie Molineux's three wickets helped Australia pull things back, as India lost their last six wickets for just 36 runs. India's collapse meant they fell short of their potential, according to captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who felt they needed an additional 40 to 50 runs.
Chasing 331 for victory, Australia's innings was anchored by a stellar performance from their captain, Alyssa Healy. Healy led from the front, scoring a brilliant 142 off 107 balls, including 21 fours and three sixes. She formed crucial partnerships with Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Ashleigh Gardner, laying a solid foundation for the chase. Healy's century was her sixth in ODIs and her first as captain. Sneh Rana took a splendid diving catch to dismiss Healy at a crucial stage.
Despite Healy's dismissal and a few quick wickets that followed, Ellyse Perry's composed, unbeaten 47 and Kim Garth's valuable contribution ensured Australia stayed on course. Perry, who had to retire hurt earlier due to cramp, returned to the crease to guide her team to victory, sealing the win with a six. Australia reached the target with an over to spare, completing the historic chase.
The victory was not only a testament to Australia's batting prowess but also highlighted their depth and resilience. Healy expressed her pride in the team's performance, acknowledging the depth in the batting lineup that allowed them to chase down the imposing total. She also credited the bowlers for restricting India to a manageable score, after an explosive start.
This successful run chase is the highest in women's ODI history, surpassing Sri Lanka's 302 against South Africa in April 2024. It is also the highest ever in a Women's World Cup, eclipsing Australia's previous record of 278 against India in the 2022 edition. The combined total of 661 runs in the match is the third-highest in women's ODI history.
The loss marked India's second consecutive defeat in the tournament, leaving them in third place in the standings. Australia, with this win, remain undefeated in the tournament.
