How Did Healy and Sutherland's Masterclass Propel Australia Past India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Alyssa Healy's exceptional century played a crucial role in Australia's victory.
- India set a record for the highest total against Australia in ODIs.
- Annabel Sutherland's 5-wicket haul was pivotal in restricting India's scoring.
- The match showcased the competitive spirit and talent in women's cricket.
- Both teams demonstrated the high stakes and excitement of the Women's World Cup.
Visakhapatnam, Oct 12 (NationPress) Alyssa Healy delivered a stunning performance, scoring 142 runs off 107 balls, marking the highest individual score ever recorded against India, leading Australia to a thrilling three-wicket triumph in a pivotal Women's World Cup match held in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
This match saw Healy notch her third World Cup century and her first ODI hundred since January 2025 as Australia achieved an unprecedented successful chase in World Cup history, finishing at 331/7 with just six balls remaining.
Both teams shattered records, with India’s Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) forming the largest opening partnership against Australia, while Mandhana became the fastest and youngest player to reach 5000 runs in Women’s ODIs. India set a new highest total against Australia in ODIs, exceeding England's previous record of 298. The Australians kicked off their innings with a remarkable 82 runs without loss in the first 10 overs, marking the highest score in the Power-play in Women’s ODIs.
India displayed resilience in the latter stages, with N Shree Charani (3-41), Amanjot Kaur (2-68), and Deepti Sharma (2-52) taking vital wickets during the death overs to create a nail-biting finish.
Shree Charani’s exceptional catch dismissed Australia’s captain Healy, who had scored a brilliant 142 in 107 balls, forming key partnerships with Phoebe Litchfield (40 off 39) and an 89-run second wicket partnership before Ellyse Perry was forced to retire due to injury, steering Australia toward victory. Healy expertly handled the Indian bowlers, utilizing her reverse sweeps and short-arm jabs effectively.
In pursuit of the daunting target of 331, Healy partnered with Ashleigh Gardner (45, 46 balls) to surpass the 250-run mark. However, at 265/3, Charani struck again, dismissing Healy, which opened the door for India.
Amanjot Kaur captured two wickets in consecutive deliveries across different overs, sending back Sophie Molineux (13) and Ashleigh Gardner (45) after Deepti Sharma had already dismissed Tahlia McGrath (12), leaving Australia at 303/7 in the 45th over.
Yet, Ellyse Perry, who returned following treatment for cramps, along with Kim Garth (14 not out), guided Australia to a memorable victory with six balls left. Perry ended unbeaten on 47 off 52 balls (5x4, 1x6), sealing the match with a six off the final ball of the 49th over.
Earlier, India squandered a strong start from openers Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75), who combined for a 150-run partnership, by allowing Australia to claw back into the match, thus preventing them from reaching a target of 370-380 runs.
With Mandhana returning to form after scoring just 54 runs in the first three matches and Pratika achieving her first half-century in the World Cup, India surged to 192/1 by the 30th over. However, they succumbed to the temptation of aggressive shots and some impressive bowling from the Australians, particularly Annabel Sutherland, who took 5-40, losing nine wickets for just 138 runs and getting all out for 330 runs in 48.5 overs.
India lost their last six wickets for a mere 36 runs and could not complete their full quota of 50 overs, which ultimately cost them as Australia clinched victory in this vital encounter at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.
Brief scores: India 330 all out in 48.5 overs (Smriti Mandhana 80, Pratika Rawal 75; Annabel Sutherland 5-40, Sophie Molineux 3-75) lost to Australia 331/7 in 49 overs (Alyssa Healy 142, Ellyse Perry 47 not out, Ashleigh Gardner 45; N Shree Gharani 3-41, Amanjot Kaur 2-68, Deepti Sharma 2-52) by three wickets.