In a classic game between Australia and India (AUS vs IND) in the Women’s World Cup, Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry masterminded a thrilling chase and helped Australia successfully chase the highest target in women’s ODI history.
The packed Vizag Stadium was the setting for a match that will be talked about for years, however, it ended in disaster for India, with Australia winning with six balls left in the innings and three wickets in hand.
Healy’s Heroics: Captain’s Knock Takes the AUS vs IND Centre Stage
Alyssa Healy was unbeaten on 142 runs, a personal best, during the first innings, scoring her third Women’s World Cup century and first as captain. Her innings was the major contributor towards Australia’s bold 331-run chase, a score that will go down in cricket history, if not more. Healy attacked, destroying the confidence of the Indian bowlers and sending the Indian fans into disbelief.
Perry’s Grit: Fighting Cramps, Going Back to Complete the Task
Ellyse Perry added a composed and undefeated 47-run score, though she had to retire hurt due to cramps when Australia were cruising at 154 for 1. Her comeback in the last overs was the turning point. Australia needed 32 from 36 balls at that point, and Perry steadied the ship and went on to score the winning boundary, hitting her WPL teammate Sneh Rana over the ground in the last over.
Kim Garth’s Cameo Seals It for Australia
As Sophie Molineux was caught lbw by Amanjot Kaur in the 46th over, Australia were seven down. Kim Garth came to the rescue, along with Perry, to post a vital 28-run partnership off 23 balls. Garth contributed a useful 14 runs, a shrewd reverse paddle off Rana in the last but one over, easing the pressure with 13 required off 11 balls.
India’s Collapse: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
India, at one stage looking solid for a 350+ total, suffered a dramatic collapse. From a strong position, they slumped to 9 for 138 in the last 30 overs, finishing with 330. Key contributors Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) failed to convert their starts into centuries, a contrast to Healy’s impactful innings.
Bowlers Under Fire: Charani Stands Out in Vain
While India’s bowlers, except a few, bowled in the hot and humid Vizag atmosphere, left-arm spinner N Shree Charani remained great. Her 3 for 41 was a beacon of hope, but her overs were spent by the 39th when Australia had to do a run-a-ball from then on.
India’s decision not to have six specialist bowlers had been questioned yet again, particularly after not being able to defend 252 against South Africa in the last match.
Table-Toppers: Australia’s Third Victory in Four Matches
The breathtaking victory is the third in four games for Australia, taking them to the top of the Women’s World Cup table at the halfway point of the tournament. The performance highlights their dominance as well as coping with pressure.
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