By Desmond Nleya
Australia pulled off a sensational run chase to defeat India by three wickets in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, completing a record pursuit of 331 runs to stay unbeaten in the tournament.
Captain Alyssa Healy produced a stunning 142 off 107 balls to set up the chase, while Ellyse Perry, battling injury, returned late in the innings to smash the winning six at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing 331, Healy attacked from the outset, hitting 21 fours and three sixes in a commanding innings that frustrated the Indian bowlers. She shared an opening stand of 85 with Phoebe Litchfield (40) before building another key partnership with Perry.
India briefly turned the tide after Perry retired hurt, dismissing Beth Mooney (4) and Annabel Sutherland (0) in quick succession through spinners Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani. Healy kept the run rate on track and brought up her century off 84 balls in the 31st over, eventually falling for 142 with the score well poised.
Three quick wickets gave India renewed hope, but Perry returned to the crease with limited mobility and, alongside Kim Garth, calmly guided Australia home. She sealed the win with a trademark straight six to complete the historic chase.
“To chase down 330 in a 50-over game is new territory for us. Hopefully, we don’t have to do it again,” Healy said after being named Player of the Match.
India’s Batting Falters Late
India, who suffered their second defeat in three days, posted 330 in 48.5 overs, thanks to a dominant opening partnership. Smriti Mandhana smashed 80 off 66 balls, becoming the fastest player to 5,000 runs in women’s ODIs. She and Pratika Rawal (75) added 155 for the first wicket.
However, a flurry of late wickets cost India crucial runs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted their finish was below par.
“We knew it was a good batting wicket, but not batting well in the last six overs cost us,” Kaur said.
Annabel Sutherland picked up a five-wicket haul (5/62), while Sophie Molineux marked her return with 3/75.
Tournament Standings
The victory lifts Australia back to the top of the points table with seven points from four matches. England sit second on six, India remain third, and South Africa are fourth with four points. The top four sides in the eight-team tournament will advance to the semifinals.
Australia next face Bangladesh at the same venue on Thursday, while India will look to bounce back against England in Indore after a week’s break.
