Visakhapatnam, Oct 12 (NationPress) In a thrilling encounter, Captain Alyssa Healy delivered an exceptional performance, scoring a stunning 142 runs off 107 balls, marking the highest individual score ever achieved against India. Alongside her, Annabel Sutherland made a significant impact with figures of 5-40 as Australia clinched a three-wicket victory in a pivotal match of the Women's World Cup held in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

Healy's innings included a record-breaking tally of 21 fours and 3 sixes, not only earning her third World Cup century but also marking her first ODI century since January 2025 (sixth overall), enabling Australia to finish at 331/7 with six balls remaining.

India's openers Smriti Mandhana (80 off 67 balls) and Pratika Rawal (75 off 96 balls) initially set a strong foundation, establishing an opening partnership of 155 runs. However, a collapse in the final five overs saw India all out for 330, falling short of a potential 400 total.

Both teams achieved remarkable milestones, with Mandhana and Rawal setting the record for the highest opening partnership against Australia. Mandhana also became the fastest player to reach 5000 runs in Women's ODIs (in just 112 matches). India had previously posted the highest ODI total against Australia, surpassing England's mark of 298. Australia also recorded the highest score in the Power-play of 82 runs without loss in 10 overs, culminating in the biggest successful chase in Women's ODIs.

Following this match, India faced their second consecutive defeat in the World Cup after losing to South Africa on October 9, positioning them third in the standings, ahead of the Proteas by net run rate.

Australia maintained their lead at the top of the table with seven points from four matches, while England followed closely with six points from three matches.

Despite a valiant effort from Indian bowlers N. Shree Charani (3-41), Amanjot Kaur (2-68), and Deepti Sharma (2-52), who took key wickets during the death overs, the match remained tight.

Shree Charani took down Healy, caught brilliantly by Sneh Rana just inches from the ground, after Healy's impressive 142 runs off 107 balls. She had formed vital partnerships with Phoebe Litchfield (40 off 39 balls) and an 89-runEllyse Perry was retired hurt, setting Australia on the path to victory. Healy dominated the Indian bowlers, effectively utilizing her skills during the middle overs.

While chasing the substantial target, Healy partnered with Ashleigh Gardner (45 off 46 balls) to propel Australia past the 250-run mark. However, after reaching 265/3, Charani struck again, dismissing Healy and opening the door for India.

Amanjot Kaur took two wickets in consecutive deliveries across two overs, dismissing Sophie Molineux (13) and Ashleigh Gardner (45), while Deepti Sharma removed Tahlia McGrath (12), leaving Australia at 303/7 in the 45th over.

Nevertheless, Ellyse Perry, returning from cramps, alongside Kim Garth (14 not out), steered Australia to a remarkable win with six balls to spare. Perry remained unbeaten on 47 runs off 52 balls, sealing the victory with a six off the final ball of the 49th over.

Earlier in the innings, India failed to capitalize on the solid start from openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. Mandhana, in fine form after scoring only 54 runs in the previous three matches, and Rawal, scoring her first World Cup half-century, propelled India to 192/1 in 30 overs. However, they succumbed to the urge for big hits and the exceptional bowling from Australia, particularly Annabel Sutherland, who took 5-40. India lost nine wickets for 138 runs, ending up at 330 runs in 48.5 overs.

India's last six wickets fell for just 36 runs, failing to complete their full quota of 50 overs, a shortfall that ultimately cost them the match as Australia emerged victorious in this critical contest at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.

Contributions from Harleen Deol (38 off 42 balls), Jemimah Rodrigues (33), and Richa Ghosh (32) were notable, yet none managed to score a substantial 50 or 60 runs to help India capitalize during the death overs.

This proved detrimental as the hosts fell short by approximately 50 runs, simplifying the chase for the Australians.

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.