India faced a dramatic defeat in the ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday after Australia chased 331 in a record‑breaking run‑rate run. Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy carried the team to victory with a stunning 142 off 107 balls, the third‑highest score by a captain in any Women’s World Cup history.
The match started badly for Australia. India’s opening pair, Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana, sent the hosts to 155 for no wickets. But Australian fast bowlers turned the tide when Annabel Sutherland took 5‑40, keeping India to 330 in 49 overs. India had only five bowlers in their attack, with left‑arm spinner Charani Banga standing out. Healy said Australia simply let the natural flow of the game guide them, taking advantage of the pace bowlers and learning Charani was the main threat.
“Healy was looking for a straightforward plan,” she said in the post‑match press conference. “Seeing that the wicket was turning helped us trigger the run‑rate. It wasn’t a fixed game plan; it just worked out how we needed to strike.”
His massive knock, 21 fours and three sixes, steered Australia to the target and cemented the team’s place at the top of the group stage. This victory marks the seven‑time champions’ return to the summit after a long waiting game.
Healy’s innings was her sixth, her first as a skipper that turned into a century. “I just wanted to contribute,” she said. “Someone had to get the 100 to give us a target and fielding strategy, and for the day it worked.”
Australia’s win is the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history, and its record‑setting run‑rate will be remembered for years. The win also confirms that Healy’s leadership, coupled with a fearless batting display, can change the outcome of big cricket matches.
Source: ianslive
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