Visakhapatnam Witnessed History: Australia Conquers Record Chase in World Cup Thriller

In a gripping display of grit, skill, and sheer audacity, the Women`s World Cup 2025 match in Visakhapatnam delivered a cricket spectacle that will be etched in the annals of the sport. Australia, led by a truly extraordinary century from captain Alyssa Healy, pulled off the highest-ever successful run chase in Women`s One Day International history, overcoming a formidable Indian total in a contest that swung wildly until the very last moments.

India`s Formidable Foundation: Mandhana and Rawal Set the Stage

The Sunday clash began with India taking to the crease, eager to build on their tournament aspirations. What unfolded was a masterclass in aggressive yet composed batting from openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. Their 155-run partnership for the first wicket was not just a testament to their individual brilliance but a statement of intent, erasing any lingering doubts from previous outings.

Mandhana, in particular, was a revelation. Her innings of 80 off just 66 balls was a blend of power and precision, welcoming Australian spinner Sophie Molineux with a blistering 18-run over that included a six and two fours. During this elegant assault, the 29-year-old left-hander also etched her name in the record books, becoming the fastest and youngest woman to reach 5000 runs in WODIs – a truly remarkable achievement.

Rawal, though initially playing a supporting role, blossomed into her own, crafting a solid 75 runs. Their partnership laid a robust foundation for India to post an imposing total of 330 for seven. Despite some late Australian breakthroughs, notably a five-wicket haul by Annabel Sutherland who deployed clever slower balls, and Molineux`s three wickets, India`s middle order, with contributions from Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues, ensured the scoreboard kept ticking past the 300-mark.

The Australian Reply: Captain Healy`s Unforgettable Knock

Chasing 331 was a daunting prospect, even for a team with Australia`s pedigree. However, what followed was a captain`s innings of legendary proportions. Alyssa Healy, with a blend of genius and an iron will, took the Indian bowlers to task from the outset. Her bat seemed an extension of her supple wrists, placing the ball with surgical precision into vacant areas. Whether it was biffing Kranti Gaud for a six and three fours or slog-sweeping Sneh Rana for maximums, Healy was relentless.

Her fifty arrived in a mere 35 balls, the fastest of the tournament. More significantly, she anchored Australia`s chase, forming crucial partnerships. An 85-run stand with Phoebe Litchfield set the tone, followed by a vital 95-run alliance with Ashleigh Gardner (45 runs). This period saw Australia steadily chipping away at the mammoth target, Healy herself reaching her sixth WODI century, and her first as captain, with a simple yet profound wave of the bat.

Late Drama and Perry`s Heroic Return

Despite Healy`s heroics, the match was far from a foregone conclusion. India`s left-arm spinner, Sri Charani, emerged as a beacon of control amidst the Australian onslaught. Her excellent spell of 3 for 41 included the prized wicket of Healy, caught by substitute Radha Yadav while attempting a cut. Charani also accounted for Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland, showcasing clever variations to fox the batters.

Healy`s dismissal, perhaps, was the spark India needed. The Australian camp experienced a nervous wobble, losing Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, and Sophie Molineux in quick succession, plummeting from 265 for three to 303 for seven. The required run rate, for a fleeting moment, felt astronomical again.

But heroes, as they say, often return. Veteran Ellyse Perry, who had earlier retired hurt, made a dramatic reappearance to the crease. With unwavering composure, Perry (47 not out) applied the finishing touches, guiding Australia through the tense final overs to secure a historic three-wicket victory. It was a testament to Australia`s deep batting lineup and their never-say-die attitude.

This unforgettable encounter not only saw Australia ascend to the top of the World Cup table but also underscored the rapidly evolving landscape of women`s cricket. With formidable totals being set and record-breaking chases being achieved, the game continues to captivate audiences with its dynamism and sheer competitive spirit. Fans in Visakhapatnam witnessed more than just a match; they experienced a piece of cricketing history, a thrilling testament to the enduring appeal and growing prowess of women`s ODI cricket.