Healy’s Heroics Lead Australia to Record World Cup Chase Against India

Alyssa Healy couldn't have timed it better. After a lean run with the bat and struggles to find rhythm in the nets, the Australian opener delivered a match-winning century under pressure to script a memorable World Cup victory over India. Her blistering 142 off 107 balls formed the backbone of Australia's successful chase of 331, completed with six wickets in hand and an over to spare.

It was Healy’s sixth ODI century, but her first since April 2022 — ending a 25-innings drought without a ton, and only her second 50-plus score this calendar year. The innings came at a crucial time, not just in the context of the tournament but also in her personal form slump.

"It hasn’t been my day of late, but it was my day today," Healy said after the match. “If you've been watching me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever… But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in."

Australia’s chase of 331 — their highest successful run-chase in a Women's World Cup match — was built not just on Healy’s brilliance but also a solid support act from Ellyse Perry and finishing touches from the middle order.

Healy, who had previously struggled against India’s Kranti Gaud — falling to her three times in the recent bilateral series — turned the contest around with a dominant display. While spin posed some threat, with N Shree Charani (4.10 economy) and Deepti Sharma (5.20) bowling tightly, Healy took apart the pace attack, especially Amanjot Kaur and Kranti Gaud, who were expensive.

“Charani was getting actually quite a bit of spin; she was kind of the pick of the bowlers today,” Healy noted. “We thought if we can capitalise on some of the pace bowlers, that would be handy... It wasn’t really a plan as such, it just panned out that way.”

Healy’s knock wasn't just about stroke-play; it was a statement of intent and mental strength. Coming off low scores of 19 and 20 in her last two outings, the innings was a powerful reminder of her class and experience.

“Obviously aware that Kranti had got me out a fair bit throughout the ODI series, so an opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her… I think that sort of got me going,” she said.

The foundation for the win, however, was laid earlier in the day by Annabel Sutherland, who triggered India’s collapse with a remarkable 5 for 40. After being 192 for 2 in 30 overs, India’s middle and lower order faltered, managing just 138 in the final 20 overs.

“Bellsy’s spell was crucial,” said Healy. “Alana King and Annabel Sutherland created a partnership that built pressure, and then Bellsy cashed in at her end.”

India’s collapse — losing 6 for 36 at one stage — left them short of a total that looked likely to cross 350. That swing in momentum proved critical.

The victory not only gave Australia a significant boost in the group stage but also showcased their depth, resilience, and experience in high-pressure games.

“To get ourselves in a winning position was really cool,” Healy said. “I’ll reflect on that later and be a little bit happy. Hopefully it continues, but if not, I’m sure it’ll be someone else’s day — which is cool.”

Key Stats:

• Alyssa Healy: 142 (107 balls) – 6th ODI century, first since April 2022

• Annabel Sutherland: 5 for 40 (9.5 overs) – Match-turning spell

• Australia's chase: 331 – Highest successful chase in Women's World Cup history