Skipper Alyssa Healy’s breathtaking 142 and Annabel Sutherland’s five-wicket haul powered Australia to a thrilling three-wicket win over India in a high-scoring ICC Women’s World Cup encounter in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
Healy’s 107-ball masterpiece — featuring 21 fours and three sixes — set a new record for the highest individual score against India in women’s ODIs and guided Australia to a record chase of 331 for seven, achieved with six balls to spare.
Earlier, India’s openers Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) laid a strong foundation with a 155-run stand — the team’s best opening partnership against Australia. India looked poised for a mammoth total of 400 but suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their last six wickets for just 36 runs to be bowled out for 330 in 48.5 overs.
Sutherland (5-40) led Australia’s comeback, while Sophie Molineux (3-75) provided key breakthroughs during India’s late slide.
In reply, Australia’s openers blazed to 82 without loss in the first 10 overs — the highest powerplay total in women’s ODI history. Healy anchored the chase with crucial stands alongside Phoebe Litchfield (40) and Ashleigh Gardner (45). However, India hit back through N. Shree Charani (3-41), Amanjot Kaur (2-68), and Deepti Sharma (2-52), reducing Australia to 303 for seven.
With 28 needed, Ellyse Perry — returning to bat after cramps — held her nerve, finishing unbeaten on 47 from 52 balls and sealing victory with a six in the penultimate over.
The result marked India’s second consecutive defeat after their loss to South Africa on October 9, leaving them third in the standings. Australia maintained their spot at the top with seven points from four matches, ahead of England on six.
Brief scores:
India: 330 all out in 48.5 overs (Smriti Mandhana 80, Pratika Rawal 75; Annabel Sutherland 5-40, Sophie Molineux 3-75)
Australia: 331/7 in 49 overs (Alyssa Healy 142, Ellyse Perry 47*, Ashleigh Gardner 45; N. Shree Charani 3-41, Amanjot Kaur 2-68, Deepti Sharma 2-52)
