🌟 Australia Pull Off Record Chase to Beat India in Women’s India Vs Australia Highlights World Cup 2025
At Visakhapatnam, fans witnessed one of the most thrilling finishes in Women’s World Cup history. Australia, in a breathtaking display of courage and composure, chased down a mammoth 331-run target with just one over to spare, defeating India by 3 wickets.
This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. With Alyssa Healy’s blazing century (142 off 107), a steely Ellyse Perry (47*), and a gutsy Ashleigh Gardner (45), Australia reminded the world why they are one of the most lethal chasers in women’s cricket.
📚 Match Narrative: India Post Big Total, Australia Fight Back
🇮🇳 India’s Batting: Flying Start to Middle-Order Collapse
India began with thunder. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal smashed a record 150-run opening stand — the highest opening partnership India has ever managed against Australia in Women’s World Cups. Mandhana’s 80 off 66 balls featured powerful strokes and finesse, while Rawal’s 75 anchored the momentum.
However, once they fell (Mandhana to Sophie Molineux, Rawal to Annabel Sutherland), India’s middle order crumbled. From 294/5, the last five batters managed only 36 runs.
Standout bowling came from Annabel Sutherland, who claimed a brilliant 5/40, and Molineux, who ripped through India’s spine with 3/75.
In technical terms, the pitch played true early, but offered turn and grip later — and India failed to adjust under mounting pressure.
🔥 Australia’s Chase: Drama, Resolve & Healy’s Fire
Chasing 331, Australia lost early wickets but never panicked. Phoebe Litchfield (40) gave impetus at the top, but the real turning point was Healy’s explosive century.
With 21 boundaries and 3 huge sixes, she dominated an attack needing wickets on every over.
When Gardner fell, and Molineux went cheaply, the pressure seemed to swing India’s way. But Perry’s calm re-entry and composed strike rotation steadied the ship.
The match was sealed when Perry guided a boundary off the penultimate over, with Kim Garth hitting the final runs. Australia had done the unthinkable.
🧠 Cricketory Insights & Analysis
1. Healy’s Knock: Classic Test of Nerve & Power
142 in one-day cricket demands more than power — it requires mental fortitude, adaptability, and shot selection. She paced it perfectly: punishing bad balls early, regaining control mid-phase, and finishing with flair.
2. India’s Fall Reflects Middle-Order Fragility
India’s collapse from 294/5 to 330 all out exposed technical flaws under pressure. Guardians of the chase — like Harmanpreet, Harleen, Jemimah — couldn’t rotate strike or rebuild trust when it mattered most.
3. Bowling Brilliance by Australia
Sutherland’s 5-wicket haul was exemplary, especially in Australian conditions. She varied angles and length. Molineux complimented her by applying pressure from the other end.
4. Perry’s Return: A Masterclass in Leadership
Perry’s unbeaten 47 wasn’t flashy — it was strategic. Her calm presence in the death overs stabilized the innings, allowing Healy to go berserk. She displayed why experience still matters.
5. Momentum & Psychological Edge
A chase of 331 — especially in a marquee tournament — provides enormous confidence. For Australia, this win isn’t just 2 points — it’s psychological dominance. India, meanwhile, now must rebuild their composure.
📊 Key Stats That Tell the Story
| Metric | India | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 330 all out (48.5 ovs) | 331/7 (49 ovs) |
| Highest Partnership | 150 (Mandhana-Rawal) | 114 (Rizwan-Agha equivalent) |
| Top Batter | Mandhana 80 | Healy 142* |
| Best Bowlers (5-wick) | Sutherland 5/40 | Sutherland (also) |
| Extras | 24 | 9 |
| Target Chased With | 6 balls left | — |
The average run-rate in the match was 6.75, showing a high-run contest.
🏆 What This Win Means
- Australia tops the points table with 7 points from 4 matches.
- India slide to 3rd in the standings, now facing real pressure.
- Healy’s century will be remembered as one of the greatest in World Cup history.
- India’s failure to defend such a score will spark debate on team structure, mental strength, and adaptability.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was Alyssa Healy’s score and strike rate?
A: She scored 142 off 107 balls, strike rate ≈ 132.71.Q2: Who were India’s top contributors?
A: Mandhana (80) and Rawal (75) set the foundation with a 150 opening stand.Q3: Which bowlers stood out in this match?
A: Annabel Sutherland (5/40) and Sophie Molineux (3/75) for India; Sree Charani (3/41) for Bangladesh earlier.Q4: How many overs did Australia take to chase 331?
A: They chased it in 49 overs, with one over to spare — finishing 331/7.Q5: What record did Mandhana hit?
A: Mandhana became the youngest and fastest player to reach 5,000 ODI runs (112 innings).Q6: How did India’s middle order collapse?
A: After 294/5, the remaining batters added only 36 runs due to effective pressure bowling and fielding from Australia.Q7: Who steadied the innings for Australia besides Healy?
A: Ellyse Perry (47*), Ashleigh Gardner (45) played crucial roles.💬 Final Thoughts: A Match for the Ages
The India vs Australia Women’s World Cup 2025 clash will be remembered as one of the greatest one-day thrillers in modern cricket. It wasn’t just about a record chase — it was about temperament, teamwork, and tactical brilliance.
Alyssa Healy’s majestic 142 off 107 redefined what it means to anchor a high-pressure chase, while Ellyse Perry’s calm authority and Ashleigh Gardner’s fearless intent highlighted Australia’s unmatched depth.
For India, the defeat will sting. Despite a stellar start led by Mandhana and Rawal, their inability to convert dominance into a win exposed the gaps that still separate them from Australia’s clinical consistency.
But beyond the scorecard, this game did something bigger — it reignited the spirit of women’s cricket, proving once again that these athletes are capable of delivering heart-stopping drama and world-class performances under pressure.
🏏 In the end, Visakhapatnam witnessed not just a chase — but a classic.
Australia’s victory will echo as a benchmark for resilience and precision, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable Women’s World Cup 2025.