Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: Australia captain Alyssa Healy’s brilliant 142 helps holders beat India in record chase

Alyssa Healy’s stunning 142 helped Australia complete the women’s one-day international chase record by beating India by three wickets at the World Cup.

At the featherweight pitch in Visakhapatnam, India dominated 330 from 48.5 overs; this was the highest total Australia have ever conceded in an ODI.

The platform for India was set with the 155-run opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, who accelerated quickly once inside.

Mandhana was the lead attacker, top-scoring with 80 from 66 balls, while a host of cameos from India’s middle order also carried the attack.

All-rounder Annabel Sutherland finished the second half of India’s innings with impressive figures of 5-40, shifting some of the momentum to Australia’s lead.

Lesser teams might have feared the chase but Australia captain Healy played a stoic knock to put his side on course for victory.

Healy’s innings from 107 balls included 21 fours and three sixes, and he was unlucky until he cut Shree Charani, who took 3-41, to Sneh Rana, taking a diving catch with his nails.

With 66 from 67 deliveries required, Ash Gardner, who bowled 45 deliveries, brought Australia close before Kim Garth and Ellyse Perry brought the World Cup holders to within striking distance.

Perry had earlier retired due to cramp while batting, but returned to finish the job, hitting Rana for a six to take Australia over the line with six balls to spare.

Australia’s record-breaking ODI chase eclipsed Sri Lanka’s 302 to beat South Africa at Potchefstroom in April 2024.