History was made under the floodlights at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, where Australia pulled off the highest successful run chase in women’s one-day international cricket to beat India by three wickets in a truly unforgettable ICC Women’s World Cup clash on October 12, 2025. With the dew glistening on the outfield and nerves running high, Alyssa Healy’s magnificent 142 off 107 balls anchored a chase that rewrote the record books and left fans and pundits alike in awe.
India, batting first after Australia won the toss and opted to bowl, put up a formidable 330 in 48.5 overs. The opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal gave the hosts a dream start, piling on a 155-run partnership—the tournament’s first century stand and the best opening effort by India against Australia in women’s ODIs. Mandhana, who continued her stellar form, hammered 80 off 66 balls with nine boundaries and three sixes, while Rawal’s composed 75 off 96 balls helped lay a solid foundation. As Mandhana crossed the 1,000-run mark for the calendar year—a first in women’s ODIs—she also became the fastest Indian woman to reach 5,000 career runs, doing so in just 112 innings.
“Very happy that we had that 100-run partnership. She likes to go in a way that is very entertaining. Happy that I got a decent start. Was struggling in between. There were lot of dot balls. But I'm happy that I was able to convert it into a big total. Everyone chipped in well. Just like to play the ball on the merit. Just take on the shots that are in my area,” said Pratika Rawal, reflecting on their record-breaking stand.
India’s middle order kept the scoreboard ticking, with Harleen Deol (38), Harmanpreet Kaur (22), Jemimah Rodrigues (33 off 21), and Richa Ghosh (32 off 22) all contributing valuable runs. But the lower order faltered under mounting pressure, as Annabel Sutherland’s late burst—claiming a maiden five-wicket haul (5-40)—triggered a collapse that saw India lose their last six wickets for just 36 runs. Sophie Molineux chipped in with 3-75, including the crucial wicket of Mandhana, and Ashleigh Gardner removed Amanjot Kaur for 16. India were bowled out with seven balls to spare, a finish that would come back to haunt them.
When Australia began their chase, the target of 331 looked daunting—no team had ever successfully chased that many in women’s ODI history, and the previous World Cup record was a distant 278. But Healy and Phoebe Litchfield (40 off 39) signaled their intent early, racing to an 85-run opening stand. Litchfield’s elegant strokeplay and Healy’s aggression—she reached 50 off just 35 balls—put India on the back foot. After Litchfield fell to Shree Charani, Ellyse Perry joined Healy for a 69-run stand, only to retire hurt with a hamstring issue after a sharp single. Still, the Australian innings never lost momentum.
Healy’s captain’s knock sparkled with authority and flair. She peppered the boundary ropes with 21 fours and cleared them thrice with effortless sixes. Her hundred came off 84 balls, making it her sixth ODI century, third in World Cups, and second against India. Only Meg Lanning and Karen Rolton have more ODI hundreds for Australia. “I’m really proud of the group today. We have been preaching about our batting depth and this chase proves it. Full credit to our bowlers for pulling it back – we could have been chasing 360,” Healy said, beaming after being named player of the match.
Australia’s chase wasn’t without drama. Perry returned to the crease, and a 95-run stand between Healy and Gardner (45) kept the visitors on course. But India’s bowlers, led by Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma, struck back with quick wickets—Gardner was bowled by Amanjot, and soon after, Healy’s breathtaking innings ended when she sliced Shree Charani to Sneh Rana, who pulled off a sensational diving catch. With 66 runs needed from 67 balls, the match hung in the balance.
“Australia back in control! They’ve scored 50 runs off the last five overs, swinging momentum firmly in their favor. All credit goes to Alyssa Healy, who played a composed and authoritative captain’s knock, steering her side through a challenging phase and keeping them firmly in the hunt for victory,” reported the live commentary, capturing the tension and excitement as the match reached its climax.
Late boundaries from Perry and Kim Garth, including a nerveless reverse sweep and a couple of well-timed drives, saw Australia edge closer. With 12 runs needed off the last two overs, Perry seized the moment, smashing Sneh Rana for a towering six off the final ball of the 49th over to seal the win with an over to spare. Australia finished on 331-7, the second-highest total while chasing in women’s ODIs, and the match aggregate of 661 runs became the third-highest in women’s ODI history.
The contest was a showcase of fearless batting, tactical nous, and nerves of steel. The 13 sixes hit in the match set a new World Cup record, reflecting the aggressive approach both sides adopted. For India, the defeat was a bitter pill, especially after such a promising start and a record-breaking total. Their previous defeat to South Africa at the same venue added to the frustration, but the week’s break before their next clash against England in Indore offers a chance to regroup.
Australia, meanwhile, soared to the top of the World Cup standings, unbeaten in 12 consecutive World Cup games stretching back to 2022. The defending champions next face Bangladesh at the same venue, brimming with confidence and momentum. The win not only affirmed their status as the team to beat but also underscored the depth and resilience of their squad—traits that have made them seven-time champions.
For cricket fans, this match will be remembered as a classic—a night when records tumbled, stars shone, and the spirit of the game was on full display. With the World Cup heating up, both teams will be eager to script more memorable chapters in the days ahead.