Australia pulled off a stunning record chase to defeat India by three wickets in a Women’s World Cup thriller, overturning a target of 331 with a nerveless batting display led by captain Alyssa Healy.
India posted a formidable total after a well paced innings that featured strong contributions from the top order. The home side reached 330 all out, with Smriti Mandhana and a well compiled middle order score laying the platform for a big total. India fought hard with the ball but Australia’s chase proved irresistible.
Healy was the architect of the pursuit, producing a breathtaking 142 off 107 deliveries. Her innings combined power hitting and precise placement as she raced to the target, striking 21 fours and three sixes in a show of dominance seldom seen in the women’s game. Healy’s knock anchored the chase and kept Australia ahead of the asking rate through the middle overs.
Earlier in the match Annabel Sutherland produced a crucial bowling performance, claiming five wickets to destabilise India’s batting line up when it looked poised to accelerate further. Her five wicket haul put Australia in the game after early exchanges had swung in India’s favour.
Australia lost a few wickets in the middle stages but the depth of their batting and the calm of Healy ensured the chase remained on track. Ellyse Perry provided valuable support with an unbeaten 47 while contributions from the lower order closed the match with six balls to spare.
The victory represents the highest successful run chase in women’s one day international history and moves Australia to the top of the tournament table. For India the defeat stings, but there were encouraging signs in their batting and bowling that will be of value as the competition progresses.
The match will be remembered for its intensity and for Healy’s scintillating captain’s innings which rewrote the record books. It also showcased the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s cricket, with both teams producing moments of high quality under pressure.
Tournament standings have shifted as a result of the result. Australia now occupy a leading position in the group while India will look to regroup and return strongly in their next fixture.
