There was a sensational twist to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 when Australia defeated India by three wickets at Visakhapatnam. The Australian team not only remained unbeaten but moved to the top of the table with the chase that reset the record books.
Alyssa Healy’s Blazing Knock Powers Australia to a Record Chase
Captain Alyssa Healy once again underscored why she’s counted among the elite. Her masterful 142‑run innings steered Australia to overtake India’s massive 331‑run total – the biggest successful chase in Women’s ODI history. The win extends Australia’s flawless run in the tournament.
The match at ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam, saw the Australians achieve the goal with one ball to spare. Prior to this, the highest chase record in Women’s ODI was 302 by South Africa with Sri Lanka in 2024.
Healy received solid assistance from Phoebe Litchfield (40), Ellyse Perry (47), and Ashleigh Gardner (45). Perry was moved to retire hurt partway through the innings, but returned to finish the chase with Kim Garth and deliver in a pressure situation.
India’s Bowlers Falter Despite a Bright Start
India’s fielding remained sharp, but the bowling attack lacked the bite required to defend such a lofty total. A fleeting flare from Amanjot Kaur – who bagged Gardner and Molineux with consecutive deliveries – wasn’t enough to stem the tide of Healy’s dominance and Perry’s steady finish.
The defeat signifies India’s second consecutive loss and has put them in third place in the table. The team will need a focused turnaround to remain in the hunt for a semifinal spot.
Mandhana and Raval Shine at the Top
India opted to bat first and fired off the mark via a 155-run opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Raval. Both batters were outstanding and neither batter forced shots; placement and timing were the emphasis instead.
Mandhana scored a sum of fifty runs for the India team, achieving the milestone with 46 balls, while Raval required 69 balls to reach her fifty. that century partnership was the couple’s sixth in ODIs ,with the Indian record being seven, established by Punam Raut and Mithali Raj. With their dismissals the pace dropped and the middle order, though it had a few opportunities, could not seize on the pace of scoring, and Indian ended up missing a real statement win.
Updated ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Points Table
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points |
| Australia (AUS W) | 4 | 3 | 0 | 7 |
| England (ENG W) | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| India (IND W) | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| South Africa (SA W) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| New Zealand (NZ W) | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Bangladesh (BAN W) | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Sri Lanka (SL W) | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Pakistan (PAK W) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
What This Means for the Tournament
With Australia sitting comfortably on top and England following closely, the race for the semifinal spots has intensified. India, currently third, must win their next fixtures convincingly to stay in the top four.
For India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur, this defeat is a wake-up call. The team’s batting depth and bowling variety will be tested in the upcoming matches against South Africa and England — both known for exploiting pressure situations.
Australia, on the other hand, continue to showcase their championship DNA. Their adaptability, leadership, and balance make them the team to beat once again.
Summary
The clash between India and Australia was everything cricket fans dream of — breathtaking strokes, edge-of-the-seat drama, and record-breaking moments. Australia’s determination and Healy’s brilliance redefined resilience, while India’s spirited fight reminded everyone of their growing strength in women’s cricket.
With the Women’s World Cup 2025 entering its crucial stages, every match from here on will be a battle for pride, points, and a place in history.
