Healy's Heroics Power Australia to Historic World Cup Victory

Australia has pulled off the highest successful run chase in women’s one-day international history, defeating India by three wickets in a dramatic World Cup clash in Visakhapatnam.

Chasing a daunting 331, the Australians reached their target with one over to spare, thanks largely to a breathtaking innings from captain Alyssa Healy.

Healy’s 142 from 107 deliveries - featuring 21 fours and three sixes - set the foundation for the record-breaking pursuit. It was her sixth ODI century and her first as captain, delivered at blistering pace, with her half-century coming off just 35 balls. Her innings eclipsed the previous record chase of 302 set by Sri Lanka in 2024.

After Healy’s dismissal, Australia lost a few quick wickets, but held their nerve in the closing stages. Ellyse Perry, returning to the crease after retiring hurt with cramps, struck the winning six, finishing off a determined lower-order effort. All-rounder Annabel Sutherland also starred, claiming a career-best five wickets on her 24th birthday.

India had earlier posted their highest ever World Cup total, with openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana combining for a 155-run stand. Mandhana became the fastest Indian woman to reach 5,000 ODI runs. However, India’s collapse - losing six wickets for 36 runs - left them short of a potentially match-winning score.

Despite the loss, India remains in the mix for the semi-finals, while Australia has firmly reasserted its status as tournament favourites, with both bat and ball delivering under pressure.