When Alyssa Healy, captain of the Australian Women's Cricket Team, smashed 142 runs off 107 balls, Australia clinched a historic three‑wicket win over India at the Visakhapatnam stadium on 12 October 2025. The chase of 331 runs set a new record chase in Women’s ODI World Cup history, leaving fans buzzing and the tournament table reshuffling.
Context: Why this match mattered
The encounter was part of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025India, the premier global stage for women’s One‑Day Internationals. Australia entered the game unbeaten, while India, playing at home, hoped the 331‑run total posted by Smriti Mandhana and her opening partner would be enough to dent the Aussies’ confidence.
How Australia built the innings
Opening the chase, Healy and Phoebe Litchfield stitched together an 85‑run partnership, anchoring the early overs. After Litchfield’s dismissal in the 26th over – a reverse‑sweep caught at point off Alana King’s delivery – Healy took charge. She reached her century in exactly 84 balls, a calm single off Sneh Rana before unleashing a 16‑run over that featured a crisp boundary and a towering six over mid‑wicket.
Healy’s blitz continued: 21 fours and three sixes, pushing the run‑rate past 7.5 per over. When she finally fell to a spectacular diving catch by Rana at 265 / 4, the momentum seemed to wobble. Yet the partnership engine kept humming – fifty‑run stands with Ellyse Perry and later with Ashleigh Gardner kept the scoreboard ticking.
India’s fightback and bowling spell
India’s bowlers tried to claw back control. Off‑spinner Sree Charani claimed three wickets, including Litchfield’s, and medium‑paceman Amanjot Kaur added a pair of crucial dismissals – Gardner and Sophie Molineux. Deepti Sharma trapped Tahlia McGrath plumb in front, leaving Australia at 283 / 5.
“We kept the pressure, but their lower order proved relentless,” said commentator Saurabh Kumar. “When Healy’s century hit the screen, the stadium lit up like a festival – you could feel the electricity.” The commentary captured a scene of flashlights waving, a DJ blasting ‘Jitega Bhai Jitega’, and the crowd chanting in unison.
Key performances and turning points
- Alyssa Healy: 142 (107) – 21 fours, 3 sixes; Player of the Match.
- Ellyse Perry: 45* (not out) after returning from a retired‑hurt spell – the calm anchor.
- Kim Garth: 10* (not out) – steady partnership with Perry to see Australia home.
- Sree Charani: 3 / 55 – India’s best bowler on the day.
- Amanjot Kaur: 2 / 48 – broke crucial partnerships.
The pivotal moment arrived in the 44th over. With Australia needing 48 runs and half their side back in the pavilion, Perry and Garth steadied the ship. Perry, who had briefly retired hurt earlier, switched gears, twirling her bat with the poise of a veteran. The final stretch saw a couple of singles, a boundary, and then the winning run – a crisp sixth‑run on the last ball.
What this win means for the tournament
Australia’s unbeaten streak now stretches to five matches, placing them firmly on top of Group A with eight points. The psychological edge of holding the highest successful chase record cannot be overstated; rivals will have to figure out how to dismantle a batting line‑up that can chase 300‑plus with apparent ease.
For India, the loss is a bitter pill. Their 331‑run total was the tournament’s highest so far, yet the inability to defend it highlights a gap in death‑over discipline. Coach Rupinder Singh (not marked as primary) admitted, “We’ll review our field placements and adjust our bowling strategies for the next game.”
Looking ahead: next fixtures
Australia now faces England on 16 October 2025 in Bengaluru. If they repeat this chase’s swagger, a semifinal berth looks almost inevitable. Meanwhile, India must regroup quickly for their clash against South Africa on 15 October 2025, hoping to bounce back with a bowl‑first approach.
Key facts
- Date: 12 October 2025
- Venue: Visakhapatnam Stadium, India
- Target: 331 / 8 (India)
- AUS chase: 331 / 7 (10 overs remaining)
- Record: Highest successful chase in Women’s ODI World Cup history
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this chase affect Australia’s chances of winning the World Cup?
The victory keeps Australia unbeaten and tops their group, giving them both points and a confidence boost. Their ability to chase massive totals now makes them the team to beat, and analysts say it puts them in a strong position to reach at least the semifinals.
What were the key turning points in India’s innings?
India’s early momentum was halted when Litchfield’s reverse‑sweep caught off Alana King, breaking a solid opening stand. Later, the dismissal of Healy on 265 / 4 gave India a glimmer of hope, but the quick fall of wickets at 283 / 5 and 300 / 6 shifted the pressure back to the bowlers.
Who stood out for India despite the loss?
Off‑spinner Sree Charani was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 55 runs. Amanjot Kaur also made a strong impact with two wickets, and Deepti Sharma’s breakthrough of McGrath showcased India’s fighting spirit.
What does the record chase mean for women's cricket?
Setting a new high‑score chase benchmark highlights the growing depth and power in women’s batting. It encourages other nations to develop stronger middle‑order players capable of pacing big chases, potentially raising the overall competitiveness of future tournaments.
When is Australia’s next match and who are they playing?
Australia’s next fixture is against England on 16 October 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The game will be a crucial test of whether they can maintain their momentum against a strong English side.