Alyssa Healy Leads Australia to Record-Breaking Victory Over India in Women’s World Cup 2025
Australia pulled off a historic win over India in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, chasing down a mammoth 331-run target in Visakhapatnam to claim a thrilling three-wicket victory. The match, played at the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Sunday, will be remembered as one of the most remarkable run chases in women’s cricket history.
Led by captain Alyssa Healy’s magnificent 142 off 107 balls, Australia displayed grit, composure, and relentless determination to rewrite the record books in the group-stage encounter.
India Set a Towering Total
Batting first after winning the toss, India posted an imposing 330 all out in 48.5 overs, their highest-ever total in a Women’s World Cup match. The Indian innings was anchored by a dazzling opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, who took full advantage of the powerplay to dismantle Australia’s pace attack.
Mandhana looked in sublime touch, striking 80 runs off 66 balls, including 12 boundaries, while Rawal’s measured 75 off 96 deliveries added stability at the other end. Together, the pair stitched a 142-run stand, laying the perfect foundation for India’s middle order to capitalize.
When both openers fell in quick succession, the middle order rose to the challenge. Harleen Deol (38), Jemimah Rodrigues (33 off 21), and Richa Ghosh (32 off 22) played brisk cameos to ensure India maintained momentum. Their aggressive stroke play and quick running between the wickets kept the scoreboard ticking, helping India cross the 300-run mark for the first time in the tournament.
However, Australia’s bowlers clawed their way back in the final overs. Annabel Sutherland was the standout performer, claiming five wickets for 54 runs, while Sophie Molineux delivered key breakthroughs with her three-wicket haul. Their combined efforts restricted India from pushing beyond 350, but the total of 330 was still one that would test even the strongest batting line-up.
Healy’s Heroics Steer Australia to Glory
In reply, Australia began their chase with intent and composure. Skipper Alyssa Healy, known for her fearless batting and leadership, set the tone early, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike effectively. Partnered by Phoebe Litchfield, Healy built a crucial 85-run opening stand that gave Australia early momentum.
Litchfield’s steady 40 off 52 balls complemented Healy’s aggression perfectly. Even after her dismissal, the captain continued to dominate the Indian bowlers, finding boundaries at will. Her innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression — 21 fours and three sixes highlighted her dominance over both pace and spin.
The middle order contributed valuable runs when it mattered most. Ashleigh Gardner (45 off 38) provided a much-needed boost in the middle overs, taking on India’s spinners with confidence. Ellyse Perry, one of the most experienced players in world cricket, anchored the chase in the final stretch with an unbeaten 47, guiding Australia home with six balls to spare.
Despite losing a few quick wickets in the middle overs, the Australian batters remained composed under pressure, showcasing their trademark resilience. Their ability to rotate strike, find gaps, and maintain a healthy run rate throughout the innings proved decisive.
India’s Bowlers Falter Despite Early Promise
For India, it was a case of “so close, yet so far.” The bowlers began well, with Shree Charani picking up three key wickets, including the prized scalp of Gardner. Amanjot Kaur also impressed, claiming two wickets during the middle overs. However, the absence of consistent breakthroughs and some sloppy fielding allowed Australia to regain control.
As the match progressed, India’s bowlers struggled to contain Healy’s aggressive stroke play and Perry’s calm finishing. Their inability to build pressure in the death overs ultimately cost them the game.
A Record for the Ages
The victory marked the highest successful run chase in ICC Women’s World Cup history, surpassing all previous records in the format. It not only underscored Australia’s dominance in world cricket but also demonstrated their depth and mental toughness in pressure situations.
For captain Alyssa Healy, the win was extra special. Her match-winning 142 — filled with elegance, timing, and composure — earned her the Player of the Match award and cemented her status as one of the game’s most reliable leaders.
Speaking after the match, Healy said:
“I’m incredibly proud of the team. India pushed us hard, but we believed in our ability to chase it down. The wicket was great for batting, and once we got set, we knew we could pull it off.”
Australia’s Dominance Continues
The triumph further reinforced Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket. Known for their consistency, teamwork, and winning mentality, the Aussies once again proved why they remain the benchmark for excellence.
With players like Healy, Perry, Gardner, and Sutherland firing on all cylinders, Australia looks poised for another deep run in the tournament. Their ability to perform under pressure — especially while chasing large targets — gives them a significant edge over other teams.
For India, there were plenty of positives despite the loss. Their top-order brilliance, aggressive batting intent, and improved strike rotation were encouraging signs. However, tightening their fielding and death bowling will be crucial if they hope to bounce back in the remaining matches.
Looking Ahead
With this result, Australia continues its unbeaten streak in the Women’s World Cup 2025, strengthening its position at the top of the group standings. India, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and regain momentum ahead of their upcoming fixtures against England and South Africa.
The match in Visakhapatnam wasn’t just a contest — it was a spectacle that celebrated the evolution of women’s cricket. It showcased fierce competition, world-class performances, and the spirit of the game that continues to grow stronger with every tournament.
As the sun set over the ACA-VDCA Stadium, the Australian team’s celebrations painted a fitting picture of triumph and teamwork — led by the indomitable Alyssa Healy, whose bat spoke louder than words.