Australia’s Record-Breaking Chase Stuns India in Women’s World Cup Thriller

In a match that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in Women’s World Cup history, Australia achieved a record-breaking victory over India in Visakhapatnam. Chasing down a formidable target of 331 runs, Australia secured a three-wicket win with just six balls to spare, setting a new benchmark for the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI cricket.

Historic Run Chase

Australia’s chase was anchored by captain Alyssa Healy, who delivered a masterful innings of 142 runs off 107 balls. Her performance included 21 boundaries and 3 sixes, propelling Australia to a total of 331/7 in 49 overs. This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record for the highest successful chase in women’s ODIs, previously held by Sri Lanka’s 302-run chase against South Africa in 2024.

India’s Impressive Total

Earlier, India set a challenging target with a total of 330 runs, their highest-ever in a Women’s World Cup match. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal laid a solid foundation with scores of 80 and 75, respectively. Despite a mid-innings collapse, contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh kept the scoreboard ticking. Australia’s Annabel Sutherland was the standout bowler, claiming 5 wickets for 40 runs, which played a crucial role in restricting India’s total.

Record-Breaking Match

The match set several records, including:

• The highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history.
• The third-highest combined runs in a Women’s ODI, with 661 runs scored by both teams.
• Mandhana’s achievement of becoming the first player in women’s ODIs to score 1,000 runs in a calendar year.

Impact on the Tournament

This victory propelled Australia to the top of the Women’s World Cup standings, maintaining their unbeaten streak. For India, the loss marked their second consecutive defeat, highlighting areas for improvement as they prepare for upcoming matches against New Zealand, England, and Bangladesh.

Conclusion

The India-Australia clash in Visakhapatnam was a testament to the evolving competitiveness and excitement in women’s cricket. Australia’s record-breaking chase not only secured them a thrilling victory but also set new standards for the sport, inspiring fans and players alike. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, aiming for success in the remaining fixtures.