Australia secured a dramatic victory over India by three wickets, staying unbeaten in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, thanks to an extraordinary century from Alyssa Healy and a decisive six from Ellyse Perry.
In pursuit of a challenging target of 331 runs, Healy, Australia’s captain, aggressively took on the Indian bowlers right from the beginning, laying a solid foundation for the team. Despite battling through an injury, Perry returned to the crease to help clinch the match at the YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Healy, who opened the batting with Phoebe Litchfield, played an attacking role, scoring 142 runs off 107 balls, including three sixes and 21 fours. She and Litchfield formed an 85-run partnership before Litchfield was dismissed for 40 runs in the 12th over by Shree Charani.
Healy continued her impressive innings, establishing another partnership with Ellyse Perry, bringing Australia to 154 runs before Perry had to retire hurt due to an unspecified injury. India then seized the opportunity, quickly dismissing both Beth Mooney for four and Annabel Sutherland for a duck within a span of two overs.
Despite the fall of wickets, Healy kept Australia on track with the required run rate, scoring her century in just 84 balls. She added 56 runs more before falling to Charani, caught at point by Sneh Rana, with the decision confirmed by the third umpire.
Although Australia faced a few setbacks, Perry rejoined the game despite limited mobility and, alongside Kim Garth, ensured the team remained in contention for victory. Perry ultimately sealed the win with a classic six, allowing the seven-time champions to maintain their perfect record in the tournament.
Healy was awarded the player of the match, praising her teammates for their efforts in chasing down the record total. “Chasing down 330 in a 50-over game is uncharted territory for us,” she remarked in her post-match interview. “Hopefully, we won’t have to do it again.”
