Healy’s Heroics: Australia Clinches Victory, Handing India Another Setback in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

On a day when India’s top order finally hit their stride, it was Alyssa Healy who once again proved to be a formidable adversary. Her expertly crafted innings of 142 runs enabled Australia to chase down a record 331-run target, the highest ever in Women’s ODI history, resulting in India’s second consecutive loss at the ACA-VDCA Stadium on Sunday.

The pressure of the occasion brought out Smriti Mandhana’s (80) hunger for runs, as she skillfully anchored India’s initial efforts after being put in to bat. With fifties from both Mandhana and Pratika Rawal (75), India placed the defending champions under early pressure.

Harleen Deol and Harmanpreet Kaur attempted to maintain the momentum, though they faced challenges with an inconsistent scoring rate and some perilous running between the wickets.

Following their dismissals, Jemimah Rodrigues and a promoted Richa Ghosh displayed explosive batting, lighting up the scorecard like a Diwali night, helping India achieve its highest total in World Cup history.

In a match where Australia had never before needed to chase over 300 in ODIs, Healy, who had routinely been dismissed within the PowerPlay throughout this World Cup, dominated nearly 39 overs of the chase with support from Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Ashleigh Gardner.

Though Beth Mooney and birthday girl Annabel Sutherland—whose five-wicket haul reduced India’s total by about 20 runs—fell cheaply, local favorite Shree Charani impressed during a phase where she stifled the run flow and claimed three wickets.

Nevertheless, Healy continued to anchor the innings, reaching her first century as captain, before being spectacularly caught by Sneh Rana at point. By that time, the required run rate had dropped below six.

Despite a series of wickets towards the end, Perry, who had briefly retired hurt due to cramps, and Kim Garth, steered Australia to victory. Perry fittingly secured the thrilling fixture with a six.

Shortly after, a brief shower sent everyone scrambling for cover, but for India, the setback to their knockout hopes at the hands of Australia will linger longer.