The clash between India vs Australia women lived up to every ounce of its billing — high drama, record chases, and individual brilliance under pressure. In one of the most breathtaking games of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, the Indian women’s team suffered heartbreak as Alyssa Healy’s spectacular 142 powered Australia to a historic three-wicket win, completing the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history.
Chasing a daunting 331, Healy’s brilliance under lights guided the defending champions home in 49 overs, leaving India to rue missed chances and tactical lapses. The defeat — India’s second in a row — now puts their semi-final hopes under strain.
Indian Women’s Start Strong with Mandhana and Rawal
Electing to bat first on a batting-friendly pitch, the Indian women made a dream start. Smriti Mandhana (80 off 66) and Pratika Rawal (75 off 96) stitched a blistering 155-run opening stand — the first century partnership for India in this World Cup.
Mandhana’s fluent knock, featuring nine boundaries and three sixes, reaffirmed her class as she became the first Indian woman to cross 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year. Rawal’s composure complemented Mandhana’s flair, the pair setting the tone with controlled aggression and immaculate placement.
But after Mandhana’s dismissal to Sophie Molineux at 155/1, the innings wobbled. Harmanpreet Kaur (22) and Harleen Deol (38) couldn’t capitalize, while Jemimah Rodrigues (33 off 21) and Richa Ghosh (32 off 22) provided a late burst that lifted India to 330 all out in 48.5 overs, their highest World Cup total.
Sutherland and Molineux Star with the Ball for Australia Women
Earlier, Annabel Sutherland’s fiery 5/40 dismantled India’s lower order, while Sophie Molineux (3/75) and Ashleigh Gardner (1/15) combined smartly to choke the middle overs. Their late strikes prevented India from adding 20–30 more runs — a difference that ultimately proved decisive in the India vs Australia women's thriller.
Alyssa Healy’s Century Dominates India vs Australia Women's Clash
If India’s batting sparkled, Alyssa Healy turned the India versus Australia women's encounter into her personal masterclass. The Australian opener was imperious, smashing 142 off 107 balls, her sixth ODI hundred and arguably her finest under pressure.
Healy’s innings was a blend of precision and power, decorated with 21 fours and three sixes. She paced her knock to perfection, reaching 50 off 35 balls and then exploding into overdrive, punishing every loose delivery from the Indian bowlers. Partner Phoebe Litchfield (40) provided early support, while Ashleigh Gardner (45) and Ellyse Perry (47*) ensured the chase stayed on track even as wickets tumbled.
The winning moment came fittingly from Perry, who returned from a brief injury scare to launch Sneh Rana over long-on for a six, sealing the chase at 331/7 — rewriting record books and reaffirming Australia’s supremacy in women’s cricket.
Indian Women’s Bowling Falters Under Pressure
The Indian women’s cricket team struggled to contain the Australian onslaught. Young pacer Shree Charani impressed with three wickets, exploiting early swing and dismissing Litchfield and Sutherland. Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur picked up two each, but inconsistency in lengths cost India dearly.
The spinners, particularly Sneh Rana, endured a rough outing. Her nine overs went for 65 without success, as Alyssa Healy took her on with fearless intent. Missed opportunities, including a stumping off Litchfield, added to India’s woes as the Australian women batters capitalized on every error.
What Lies Ahead for the Indian Women’s National Cricket Team
This result leaves the Indian women’s national cricket team with two back-to-back defeats after their loss to South Africa, raising questions about bowling depth and middle-order stability. While the top order continues to fire, captain Harmanpreet Kaur will demand more discipline in the field and tighter bowling at the death.
India now faces England on October 16, followed by New Zealand on October 20 — both must-win encounters to stay in semi-final contention. For Alyssa Healy and Australia, this win cements their dominance and underscores why they remain the benchmark in women’s cricket.
As the World Cup intensifies, this India vs Australia women's epic will be remembered not just for Healy’s brilliance but for the sheer spectacle of two world-class teams pushing each other to the limit.