Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner’s Masterclass Helps Australia Edge India by 3 Wickets

Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner’s Masterclass Helps Australia Edge India by 3 Wickets

Women's ODI World Cup: India Vs Australia: A stunning century from Alyssa Healy (142 off 107) guided Australia to a thrilling three-wicket win over India in a high-scoring contest, with six balls to spare.

It was a nail-biting encounter between two top sides, where both teams showcased brilliant batting performances. India posted a massive total of 330 runs, thanks to excellent fifties from Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75). However, Australia’s reply was powered by a majestic innings from skipper Alyssa Healy, who almost single-handedly chased down the target with composure and confidence.

Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Australia held their nerve to chase the target in 49 overs, winning by three wickets. It was one of those games that went down to the wire, keeping fans on the edge till the final over.

India Innings:

Batting first, India started strong with openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal dominating the Australian bowlers. The pair added 155 runs for the first wicket, setting a solid platform. Mandhana looked classy, smashing 80 off 66 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes, while Rawal anchored the innings beautifully with 75 from 96 balls.

In the middle order, Harleen Deol (38 off 42) and Harmanpreet Kaur (22 off 17) continued the momentum, while Jemimah Rodrigues (33 off 21) and Richa Ghosh (32 off 22) played quick cameos to push India beyond 300. India’s innings, however, saw a mini-collapse in the final few overs as they were bowled out for 330 in 48.5 overs.

For Australia, Annabel Sutherland was the standout performer with a brilliant five-wicket haul (5/40). Sophie Molineux (3/75) also chipped in with key wickets, helping restrict India from posting an even bigger total.

Australia Innings:

Chasing 331, Australia got off to a flying start as captain Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield added 85 runs for the first wicket. Healy was in sensational form, timing the ball beautifully and attacking every bowler with confidence. She scored a magnificent 142 runs off just 107 balls, hitting 21 fours and 3 sixes — a true captain’s innings that kept Australia in control.

Litchfield supported well with 40 off 39, while Ellyse Perry contributed 47 off 52 before retiring hurt. After Healy’s dismissal, India tried to make a comeback through Shree Charani (3/41) and Deepti Sharma (2/52), but the target was already within reach.

Lower-order players Ashleigh Gardner (45 off 46) and Kim Garth (14 off 13)* ensured Australia crossed the line with one over remaining, sealing a thrilling win by three wickets

Brief Scores:

India Women: 330 all out in 48.5 overs (Smriti Mandhana 80, Pratika Rawal 75, Jemimah Rodrigues 33; Annabel Sutherland 5/40, Sophie Molineux 3/75)

Australia Women: 331/7 in 49 overs (Alyssa Healy 142, Ellyse Perry 47, Ashleigh Gardner 45; Shree Charani 3/41, Deepti Sharma 2/52)