Visakhapatnam, India – Alyssa Healy's stunning century propelled Australia to a historic victory against India in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, achieving the highest successful run chase in women's ODI history. The Australian captain's masterful innings of 142 off 107 balls, including 21 fours and 3 sixes, led her team to overhaul India's formidable total of 330 with three wickets to spare.
India's innings was built on a strong foundation laid by openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, who forged a 155-run partnership – the tournament's first century stand. Mandhana's aggressive 80 off 66 balls, along with Rawal's composed 75, gave India a commanding start. However, Annabel Sutherland's impressive spell of 5 for 40 helped Australia claw back, restricting India to 330 all out in 48.5 overs, after looking set for an even larger total.
Australia's chase began steadily, with Healy and Phoebe Litchfield putting on an 85-run opening stand. After Litchfield's dismissal, Healy took charge, displaying a blend of power and finesse. She reached her half-century off 69 balls and then accelerated, reaching her century in just 84 balls. This was her sixth ODI century and her second against India. Healy's aggressive approach put the Indian bowlers under immense pressure, as she lofted Sneh Rana for a boundary over extra cover and followed it up with a six over deep mid-wicket.
Ellyse Perry contributed a valuable 47*. Despite a brief period where Perry had to retire hurt due to a cramp, she returned to the field and ensured Australia reached the finish line.
The victory was not without its tense moments. India fought back after Healy's dismissal for 142, but Australia's depth in batting proved to be the difference. Australia ultimately reached the target with an over to spare, sparking celebrations in the Australian camp.
Alyssa Healy was named Player of the Match for her outstanding innings. Speaking after the game, Healy expressed her pride in the team's performance and highlighted the importance of the depth in their batting lineup. Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian captain, acknowledged that her team fell short in the final overs and failed to capitalize on a good batting wicket.
This win sees Australia move to the top of the group stage table, while India remains in third position. The match will be remembered not only for the record-breaking chase but also for the high quality of cricket displayed by both teams. Alyssa Healy's innings will be etched in the annals of Women's World Cup history as one of the finest ever played.
