The Indus Zone Tech Desk |Women’s World Cup 2025 | Visakhapatnam, October 12, 2025: In a thrilling Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter, Australia scripted a new chapter in cricket history by pulling off the highest successful chase in women’s One-Day International (ODI) history. Led by captain Alyssa Healy’s sensational 142, the defending champions chased down India’s mammoth total of 331 runs to win an unforgettable match in Visakhapatnam.
The clash between India and Australia produced fireworks from both sides, resulting in 661 runs combined, making it the second-highest aggregate total in Women’s World Cup history.
Australia’s Record-Breaking Chase: 331 – The New Benchmark
Australia’s chase of 331 surpassed Sri Lanka’s 2024 record of 302 against South Africa at Potchefstroom. The match will go down as one of the greatest in women’s cricket, highlighting the growing competitiveness and aggressive brand of play in the modern game.
Healy led from the front, producing a captain’s knock for the ages. Her 142-run innings ranks as the third-highest by a captain in World Cup history, behind only Belinda Clark’s iconic 227 (1997)* and Meg Lanning’s unbeaten 152 (2017). This was Healy’s first century as captain in ODIs, marking a perfect blend of leadership and performance.
Alyssa Healy’s Heroic Innings Lights Up Visakhapatnam
Healy’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Her 142 not only powered Australia’s chase but also became the second-highest individual score against India in women’s ODIs and the highest ever in a World Cup match against them.
Her ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a brisk scoring rate was pivotal. Supported by Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry, Healy ensured that Australia remained in control of the chase despite India’s spirited bowling effort.
India’s Record-Breaking First Innings
India, batting first, posted 330 runs — their highest total in Women’s World Cup history, surpassing the 318/7 they scored against the West Indies in Hamilton (2022). The top order, led by Smriti Mandhana, was in top form as the hosts set a challenging target for the Australians.
This match also marked the first time any team has crossed 300 runs against Australia in a World Cup, a testament to India’s batting depth and fearless approach. Interestingly, both 300+ scores against Australia in World Cups belong to India, the first coming in Delhi just last month.
Smriti Mandhana Reaches 5000-Run Milestone in ODIs
India’s batting brilliance was headlined by Smriti Mandhana, who achieved a major career milestone during the match. The stylish left-hander crossed 5000 ODI runs, becoming only the second Indian woman (after Mithali Raj) and the fifth overall in women’s cricket to reach the landmark.
Mandhana reached the feat in just 112 innings, making her the fastest player among the elite group. The previous record was held by Stafanie Taylor, who took 129 innings to reach 5000 runs.
With her fluent 80 off 66 balls against Australia, Mandhana also became the first batter to score over 1000 ODI runs in 2025, amassing a total of 1062 runs this calendar year. She broke Belinda Clark’s 1997 record of 970 runs, underlining her dominance in the current era of women’s cricket.
Five Consecutive Fifty-Plus Scores Against Australia
Mandhana’s consistency has been phenomenal. Her latest fifty extended her streak to five consecutive fifty-plus scores against Australia, amassing 485 runs in these innings — including three centuries and two fifties.
Interestingly, Mandhana also has a similar record against the West Indies, making her the only batter in women’s cricket to record five consecutive fifty-plus scores against two different opponents.
India’s Powerful Opening Partnership
India’s strong start came from a remarkable 155-run opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, setting the tone for the innings. It was the highest-ever opening partnership against Australia in ODIs and India’s fourth century stand for the first wicket in World Cup history.
The pair’s partnership brought balance, aggression, and control to India’s batting — qualities that have been crucial in their rise as a world-class unit. The last time India managed a similar stand in World Cup cricket was back in 2017, when Mandhana and Punam Raut added 144 runs against England.
Annabel Sutherland’s Birthday Delight – Five-Wicket Haul
While batters dominated the match, Annabel Sutherland made sure the bowlers had their moments too. Celebrating her 24th birthday, Sutherland delivered a dream spell, finishing with 5 for 40 — her maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket.
She became the first woman cricketer to claim a five-for on her birthday, marking a special personal milestone in a high-pressure match. Her crucial breakthroughs prevented India from crossing the 350-mark, keeping Australia in the hunt for a record chase.
Powerplay Dominance – Australia’s Flying Start
Australia’s intent was clear from the beginning. In the first 10 overs (powerplay), the visitors smashed 82 runs without losing a wicket, registering their highest-ever powerplay score in ODIs since ball-by-ball data became available.
This was also the second-highest powerplay score in Women’s World Cup history, only behind New Zealand’s 84/1 against Pakistan in 2017. The aggressive start laid the foundation for a confident chase that ended in record-breaking glory.
A Game for the Ages
The Visakhapatnam encounter was a showcase of how far women’s cricket has evolved — packed stadiums, world-class performances, and new records tumbling one after another. The total of 661 runs made it the second-highest aggregate in a Women’s World Cup match, trailing only the 678-run spectacle between England and South Africa in Bristol (2017).
While Australia celebrated another historic triumph, India’s performance stood tall, featuring milestones that will inspire future generations. From Mandhana’s batting brilliance to Sutherland’s bowling magic, the contest had it all.
Key Highlights of India vs Australia – Women’s World Cup 2025
Australia’s chase of 331 – the highest successful chase in Women’s ODI history
Alyssa Healy’s 142 – third-highest by a captain in World Cup history
Smriti Mandhana crosses 5000 ODI runs – fastest among all women players
Mandhana’s 1062 runs in 2025 – most in a single calendar year
155-run opening partnership – highest against Australia in ODIs
Annabel Sutherland’s 5/40 – first woman with a five-for on her birthday
661 total runs – second-highest combined tally in Women’s World Cup matches
