Visakhapatnam, Oct 13 (V7N) – What began as a night of hope for India ended in a historic triumph for Australia. In an extraordinary World Cup encounter at Visakhapatnam on Sunday, Australian captain Alyssa Healy scripted a new chapter in women’s cricket history, guiding her team to the highest successful run chase ever in women’s ODIs.

Chasing India’s imposing 331-run target, Healy’s breathtaking 142 off 107 balls powered Australia to a dramatic three-wicket victory. Her innings, laced with 21 boundaries and 3 sixes, dismantled the Indian bowling attack and showcased a masterclass in precision, timing, and fearless stroke play.

Earlier, India set a massive total of 330 runs, anchored by a brilliant 80 from Smriti Mandhana and a composed 75 from Pratika Rawal. Their 155-run opening stand laid a strong foundation, with Mandhana also crossing the 5,000-run milestone in record time — the fastest Indian woman to do so.

Despite India’s dominant batting, the night belonged to Healy. She reached her fifty in just 35 balls — the fastest in this World Cup — and added a vital 95-run stand with Ashleigh Gardner. Although she suffered a brief injury scare, Healy’s determination inspired the lower order, and veteran Ellyse Perry’s unbeaten 47 sealed the victory in the final overs.

For India, pacer Shri Charni was the standout performer with figures of 3 for 41, claiming key wickets including Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland. Yet, her efforts were overshadowed by Healy’s brilliance.

Australia’s record-breaking chase surpassed Sri Lanka’s previous best of 302 runs in 2024, taking them to the top of the points table, while India slipped to third.

It was a night to remember in Visakhapatnam — one where India’s spirited fight met an unstoppable force named Alyssa Healy, who turned the game into a historic spectacle.

END/WD/SMA/