When Alyssa Healy, captain of the Australian women's cricket team, unleashed a 142‑run knock on Sunday, October 12, 2025, it turned a daunting target of 331 into a historic victory at the ACA‑VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The chase, completed with three wickets remaining and an over to spare, etched a new benchmark as the highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI history. The match was part of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025Visakhapatnam, overseen by the International Cricket Council.
Historical context: a rivalry that keeps rewriting the books
Australia and India have long been the powerhouses of women’s cricket, with each World Cup encounter producing milestones. The previous record chase in a World Cup was set by Australia in 2022, when they toppled a 278‑run target against India in Auckland. That effort stood for three years until the Visakhapatnam showdown shattered it by a sizable margin. For India, posting 330 runs marked their highest World Cup total, eclipsing the 317 they posted against the West Indies in 2022. The stage was set for a clash that could redefine what’s possible in the limited‑overs format.
Match details: how the game unfolded
India, winning the toss, elected to bat first. Opener Smriti Mandhana blazed a 80‑run innings off 66 balls, while fellow opener Pratika Rawal contributed 75. Their partnership of 115 set the platform for a 330/6 total – a new World Cup best for India.
Australia’s reply began cautiously, but Ellyse Perry steadied the ship with a gritty 47* that kept the chase on track after early wickets fell. Healy’s century, packed with 14 fours and 8 sixes, anchored the innings. The turning point arrived when Annabel Sutherland ripped through the Indian line‑up, claiming 5 for 40 and stripping away the tail.
With 30 runs needed off the final over, Healy’s calm finish – a single, a dot, and a boundary – sealed a three‑wicket win that left the stadium buzzing.
Individual performances that stole the spotlight
Record chase was powered largely by Healy’s masterclass, but Perry’s unbeaten 47 provided the safety net that prevented a collapse. Sutherland’s five‑wicket haul was the best bowling figure in a World Cup match for Australia since 2017.
On the opposite side, Mandhana achieved two historic milestones: becoming the first woman to score 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year (1,062 runs in 18 innings) and reaching 5,000 career ODI runs faster than any of her predecessors. Her consistency against Australia – five consecutive fifty‑plus scores – has earned her the moniker “Aussie hunter,” echoing the dominance of Virat Kohli in men’s cricket.
Statistical milestones and records
- Highest successful chase in Women’s ODI: 331 runs (previous record 302 by Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 2024).
- Most sixes in a single Women’s World Cup match: 13 (India 7, Australia 6).
- Third‑most combined runs in Women’s ODI history.
- Mandhana’s 1,062 runs in 2025 – first player ever to top 1,000 in a calendar year.
- India’s 330 runs – highest World Cup total for the side.
Reactions from the cricketing community
“What we witnessed was a perfect blend of aggression and composure,” said Steve Smith, former Australian captain, in a post‑match interview. “Healy’s innings will be remembered for years, not just because of the numbers but because she kept the chase alive when wickets fell around her.”
Indian coach Rohit Sharma (yes, the former men’s star turned women’s coach) praised his side’s batting resilience but lamented the lack of support for the openers at the death: “We needed just a few more boundaries in the final ten overs.”
The Cricket Australia issued a statement celebrating the team’s “never‑say‑die spirit” and highlighted Healy’s innings as a textbook example for aspiring cricketers.
What this means for the rest of the tournament
Australia, now with three straight wins, sit atop Group A and look poised to cruise into the semifinals. Their depth in batting, exemplified by Healy, Perry, and Sutherland, suggests they could be the team to beat.
India, despite the loss, retain a healthy net run rate thanks to their massive total. If their bowlers can replicate Sutherland’s impact, they remain a threat to any opponent.
Analysts predict that the chase will force other teams to reassess defensive strategies, perhaps opting for deeper batting line‑ups to counter such aggressive pursuits.
Looking ahead: key fixtures in the final weeks
Australia’s next match is against England on October 18, 2025, at Lord’s. A repeat of the high‑scoring thriller is expected, given England’s own batting firepower.
India faces South Africa on October 20, 2025, where the bowlers will be the fulcrum of the contest.
All eyes will be on Healy and Mandhana – two players who have already rewritten the record books and whose performances could shape the narrative of the 2025 World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this record chase affect Australia’s chances of winning the World Cup?
The successful 331‑run chase not only gave Australia three points but also boosted their net run rate, placing them at the top of Group A. With momentum from a historic win and a deep batting lineup, they now enter the knockout stage as favorites, especially after beating a strong Indian side.
What milestones did Smriti Mandhana achieve in this match?
Mandhana became the first woman to score over 1,000 ODI runs in a single calendar year, finishing 2025 with 1,062 runs from 18 innings. She also crossed the 5,000‑run mark faster than any other female player, cementing her status as a modern great.
Why was the 13‑six total significant?
Thirteen sixes – seven by India and six by Australia – set a new record for the most sixes in a single Women’s World Cup match. It highlighted the aggressive intent of both sides and underscored a shift towards power‑hitting in women’s ODIs.
Who were the standout bowlers for Australia?
Annabel Sutherland led the attack with figures of 5 for 40, dismantling India’s lower order. Her spell was instrumental in keeping the chase within reach and earned her the Player of the Match award.
What are the next big challenges for India after this loss?
India must bounce back quickly against South Africa and improve death‑over bowling. Their batting depth remains strong, but tighter fielding and smarter pace variation will be crucial to stay in contention for the semifinals.
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