Healy's Epic Century Powers Australia to Record-Breaking Victory
In a breathtaking contest that will be remembered as an all-time classic, Alyssa Healy produced a monumental century to lead Australia to the highest successful run-chase in the history of women's One-Day International cricket. The Australian captain’s sensational 142 was the centerpiece of a stunning pursuit of 331, a feat that silenced a packed stadium in Visakhapatnam and handed the World Cup hosts, India, a second consecutive heartbreaking defeat. The victory, sealed with just six balls to spare, was a testament to Australian resilience and firepower, leaving Indian fans and players to ponder what might have been.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with momentum swinging wildly between the two cricketing powerhouses. After setting a formidable target, India seemed to have the upper hand, but Healy’s relentless assault kept Australia in the hunt. The drama was intensified when star all-rounder Ellyse Perry was forced to retire hurt with cramps during a crucial phase of the chase. However, in a display of incredible grit, she returned to the crease in the final overs to guide her team home with an unbeaten 47, hitting the winning runs and cementing Australia's position at the top of the World Cup table.
India's Tale of Two Halves
Earlier in the day, India’s batting performance was a story of immense promise followed by a bewildering collapse. Openers Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) laid the perfect foundation with a superb 155-run partnership. They batted with a blend of aggression and control, looking set to propel their team towards a mammoth total well in excess of 350. At the 30-over mark, India was cruising at 192 for 1, and a record-breaking score seemed inevitable.
However, the innings unraveled in spectacular fashion. The dismissal of Mandhana triggered a collapse that saw India lose their last nine wickets for just 138 runs. While several middle-order batters got starts, none could convert them into the kind of match-defining innings that was required. The architect of the collapse was Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who celebrated her birthday by claiming her maiden ODI five-wicket haul. Her clever variations of pace and length proved decisive, stalling India’s momentum and leaving them with a total of 330, which, while substantial, felt well short of what they should have achieved.
Healy Masterclass
Australia's chase began with a clear statement of intent. Healy was in an aggressive mood from the outset, dismantling the Indian attack with an array of powerful shots. She particularly targeted the spinners, using the sweep shot to devastating effect. After a blistering opening stand of 85, Australia looked to be in control. The chase hit a significant hurdle when Ellyse Perry was forced from the field, and a couple of quick wickets gave India a glimmer of hope.
But Healy remained undeterred. Battling cramps of her own, she continued her assault, reaching a brilliant century off just 84 balls. She single-handedly managed the chase through the middle overs, hitting 21 fours and three sixes in a truly epic captain's knock. Her eventual dismissal, following a tense umpire review, briefly opened the door for India.
Tense and Thrilling Climax
With the game on a knife's edge, Perry made her dramatic return to the crease. She was joined by Kim Garth, and together, the pair showed remarkable composure under immense pressure. They expertly navigated the final overs, with Garth playing a crucial unbeaten knock of 14, including a brilliantly audacious reverse-paddle for four in the penultimate over. It was left to Perry to seal the historic victory, lofting a ball down the ground to trigger wild celebrations in the Australian camp. For India, the defeat will lead to some serious introspection, particularly regarding their decision to field only five specialist bowlers, a strategy that left them with few options in the face of Healy's onslaught.
Tags: ICC Women's World Cup
