In a thrilling encounter at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Alyssa Healy’s masterful century powered Australia to a nail-biting victory over India, completing the highest successful chase in ODI history with just an over to spare.
Healy’s innings of 142 runs laid the foundation for the chase, combining elegance with aggression. She was well supported by contributions from Litchfield, Perry, and Gardner, forming crucial partnerships that kept Australia in control despite periodic pressure from the Indian bowlers.
The openers got Australia off to a blazing start, putting on 85 runs quickly, and the momentum continued with a stand between Healy and Ellyse Perry. Perry, who retired hurt earlier in the innings, returned to the crease to steady the ship after Australia wobbled following a mini-collapse.
India fought back valiantly after Perry’s second stint ended, with Amanjot Kaur triggering a mini-turnaround by dismissing Gardner and Molineux off successive deliveries. However, Healy’s composure, coupled with support from Perry and Kim Garth, ensured Australia maintained the upper hand in the chase.
Earlier, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal gave India a dream start in their ICC Women’s World Cup group stage clash against Australia, piling on a 155-run partnership for the opening wicket. The duo set the stage for India’s record-breaking total of 330 runs.
