Healy’s Heroics and Perry’s Grit Power Australia to Record-Breaking Win Over India in Women’s World Cup 2025

Australia Pulls Off Historic Chase in Visakhapatnam

Australia scripted one of the greatest run chases in women’s cricket history, defeating India by three wickets in Visakhapatnam on Sunday to remain unbeaten in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Skipper Alyssa Healy led from the front with a masterful 142 off 107 balls, while Ellyse Perry returned injured to seal the chase with a towering six in the closing moments.

Chasing India’s daunting 331, Australia reached the target with grit and composure, securing two crucial points to stay atop the tournament standings. The victory underscored Australia’s dominance in the one-day format and their continued ability to deliver under pressure.

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Healy’s Commanding Knock Sets the Stage

Opting for an aggressive approach from the outset, Healy punished India’s new-ball attack, sending boundaries across all parts of the ground. Partnered by the young Phoebe Litchfield (40 off 39), she built a rapid 85-run opening stand that laid the groundwork for the chase.

When Ellyse Perry joined Healy at 85 for one, the duo steadied the innings further. Perry looked composed before retiring hurt on 24 due to an apparent leg strain in the 25th over. Her exit momentarily gave India momentum, as spinners Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani struck in quick succession to remove Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland.

Despite the setbacks, Healy remained unfazed. She reached her 100 off just 84 balls and continued to attack, threading gaps with surgical precision. Her innings, marked by 21 fours and three sixes, was a blend of timing, placement, and power. Eventually, she fell to Charani after a mistimed shot to point — a dismissal that briefly revived India’s hopes.

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Perry Returns to Finish What She Started

Australia’s middle order wobbled after Healy’s dismissal, slipping from 248 for three to 298 for seven. With the match delicately poised, Perry courageously returned to the crease, visibly limited in her movement but determined to see the chase through. Partnering with Kim Garth, she guided Australia home in the 48th over, sealing victory with a trademark lofted six straight down the ground.

“It was a massive effort from everyone,” Healy said after being named Player of the Match. “To chase 330 in a 50-over game is uncharted territory for us, and I’m proud of how we stayed composed.”

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India’s Missed Opportunity and Mandhana’s Milestone

Earlier in the day, India had posted 330 in 48.5 overs — their highest total of the tournament — on the back of a commanding opening stand. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (80 off 66) rediscovered her form with a dynamic innings that included nine fours and three sixes. Along the way, she became the fastest player in women’s ODIs to reach 5,000 runs, achieving the feat in just 112 innings.

Her partner, Pratika Rawal, added 75 off 96 balls as the pair stitched a 155-run partnership. However, India’s innings faltered in the final overs, losing six wickets for just 50 runs. All-rounder Annabel Sutherland’s late burst (5/64) curtailed India’s surge, while Sophie Molineux, returning from injury, claimed 3/75.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted after the match that India fell short in capitalizing on their platform. “We should’ve pushed past 350. Our last six overs cost us the game,” she said. “The openers were fantastic, but our middle-order execution needs to improve.”

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Tournament Context and What Lies Ahead

The win cemented Australia’s position at the top of the points table with seven points from four matches. England trail closely with six, while India remain third on four. Only the top four teams advance to the semifinals in this eight-nation competition.

For Australia, the victory not only reinforced their reputation as cricket’s most dominant women’s side but also demonstrated their depth and resilience. For India, the defeat—coming after two back-to-back losses—raises crucial questions about consistency and finishing strength.

Australia will next face Bangladesh on Thursday, while India regroup for their upcoming clash against England in Indore on Sunday.