Australia showcased their trademark grit and power-hitting to pull off a record 331-run chase against India at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in Visakhapatnam, sealing a memorable three-wicket victory with one over to spare.
Captain Alyssa Healy led from the front with a sensational 142 off 107 balls, setting up what became the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history. The win extended Australia’s unbeaten streak in the tournament and propelled them to the top of the standings with seven points from four matches, while India slipped to third after their second straight loss.
Perry and Gardner Anchor the Finish
Despite losing wickets at key moments, Australia’s middle order held firm. Ashleigh Gardner (45) provided crucial impetus before being dismissed, while Ellyse Perry (47 off 52 balls)* — returning after being earlier forced to retire hurt — showed her trademark calmness under pressure to guide her team home alongside Kim Garth.
India fought valiantly through Sree Charani (3/41), who bowled a superb spell, and all-rounders Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur, who picked up two wickets apiece. However, Australia’s depth and composure proved decisive in the end.
“We always back ourselves, no matter the total,” Healy said post-match. “It was a challenging chase, but we believed in our batting lineup. Everyone played their role, and that belief carried us through.”
India’s Strong Start Fades After Mandhana’s Brilliance
Batting first after losing the toss, India were off to a flying start courtesy of Smriti Mandhana (104) and Pratika Rawal, who stitched together a 150-run opening stand — the highest against Australia in World Cup history. However, India lost momentum in the final 10 overs, collapsing from 294/5 to 330 all out.
Annabel Sutherland (5/40) turned the tide with a brilliant five-wicket haul, while Sophie Molineux (3/75) provided vital breakthroughs. Gardner and Schutt chipped in with a wicket each to limit India’s late acceleration.
“We had them under pressure early, but credit to our bowlers for how they finished,” said Healy. “Annabel’s spell was outstanding and really set us up for the chase.”
Record-Breaking Night in Vizag
- 331 – Highest successful chase in women’s ODI history.
- 142 (107) – Alyssa Healy’s match-winning century, featuring 21 fours and 3 sixes.
- 150-run opening stand – Highest by India against Australia in Women’s World Cup history.
- 5/40 – Annabel Sutherland’s best figures in a World Cup match.
What’s Next
Australia will next face Pakistan on October 16 in Colombo, eyeing a fifth straight win and a near-certain semi-final berth. India, meanwhile, will regroup for a must-win clash against England on October 19 as they look to get their campaign back on track.
Australia Squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud.