Visakhapatnam: Australia pulled off the highest successful chase in Women’s ODI history, chasing down 331 to beat India by three wickets in a high-octane World Cup clash on Sunday.
Despite a strong 155-run opening stand between Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75), India collapsed from 294/4 to 330 all out, losing their last six wickets for just 36 runs. Annabel Sutherland celebrated her 24th birthday with a career-best 5/40, becoming the first woman to take an ODI five-for on her birthday.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted the final overs cost India dearly:
“We lost momentum in the last six overs. Those extra 30-40 runs could have made the difference.”
In reply, Alyssa Healy smashed a breathtaking 142 off 107 balls, the highest score in a Women’s ODI chase against India, as Australia reached the target with an over to spare. Ellyse Perry (47)* returned from injury to finish the match with a six.
Mandhana also made history, becoming the youngest and fastest woman to reach 5,000 ODI runs, and the first to score 1,000 runs in a calendar year.
Despite the defeat, India’s top-order form remains a big positive, while their bowling strategy may need a rethink ahead of upcoming matches.
