The much-awaited India-Australia showdown in the ICC Women’s World Cup at Visakhapatnam on Sunday turned into one of the most memorable clashes in the tournament’s history. It had everything – a record-breaking batting masterclass from Smriti Mandhana, a fiery spell from Annabel Sutherland, and an unstoppable attacking display from Alyssa Healy. In the end, Australia’s blend of patience and aggression saw them chase down India’s imposing total of 330 to win by three wickets, claiming the top spot in the group standings.

Mandhana Rewrites Batting Records

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana, already known for her elegance and consistency, rewrote history yet again during the clash. In just her 112th Women’s ODI match, she crossed the 5,000-run milestone, becoming only the fifth player in history to do so. Her career average now stands at an impressive 47.37, with 13 centuries and 33 half-centuries to her name. The left-hander’s achievement was even more special given the manner in which she played – countering Australia’s pace battery with crisp timing and controlled aggression.

Mandhana also added another historic feather to her cap. Earlier in the tournament, she had surpassed the legendary Belinda Clark’s 970-run tally in a calendar year, a record many thought would stand unmoved for decades. On Sunday, she became the first-ever player to score over 1,000 runs in a single calendar year in Women’s ODIs, a mark unmatched in the format’s history.

Healy’s Match-Winning Blitz

While Mandhana’s exploits lit up the first half of the game, Alyssa Healy’s performance was the defining factor in the chase. The Australian skipper smashed 142 off 107 balls, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes. It was a display of clean, calculated hitting that kept the momentum with the visitors throughout the innings. Healy’s knock also set a new benchmark – the highest score against India in a Women’s ODI run-chase.

Her century meant she joined Karen Rolton and Meg Lanning, all with three centuries in just 22 innings, as the most prolific Australian batters in World Cup history. With her ability to anchor an innings while simultaneously accelerating at will, Healy’s effort ensured Australia never lost sight of the target, despite regular wickets on the other end.

Sutherland’s Birthday Delight

Annabel Sutherland’s day could not have been scripted better. Celebrating her birthday on the field, the Australian all-rounder produced one of the finest spells of her career. She claimed five wickets, becoming the first women’s cricketer to take a five-wicket haul in an ODI on her birthday. The feat is rare across all international cricket – only Rashid Khan, in the men’s ODI format against South Africa last year, has done it before.

Sutherland’s breakthroughs came at crucial junctures, breaking partnerships that threatened to take India into an unreachable zone. Her effort was the perfect complement to Healy’s brilliance with the bat, giving Australia the edge in both departments.

India’s Record Score Not Enough

Despite the loss, India’s batting display was filled with positives. Their total of 330 runs was the highest they have ever posted in a Women’s Cricket World Cup match, surpassing the previous record of 317/8 against the West Indies at Hamilton in 2022. The strong opening foundation laid by Mandhana was built on by key middle-order contributions, and the scoreboard pressure was evident on the Australian batters in the early stages.

However, a combination of Healy’s controlled aggression and middle-order resilience saw Australia inch closer with every over. Even India’s spirited bowling effort in the death overs could not deny the visitors the win, as they reached the target with just three wickets in hand.

A Clash for the Ages

The Visakhapatnam encounter will be remembered for the avalanche of records it produced. Mandhana’s twin milestones, Healy’s highest chasing score against India, Sutherland’s birthday five-for, and India’s record team total all contributed to an unforgettable chapter in Women’s World Cup history. For Australia, the win reaffirmed their status as the dominant force in the tournament, while India took home pride in their extraordinary batting but will rue missed chances in the field.

It was a reminder of why India-Australia matches are often tagged as blockbusters – they rarely disappoint, and this one, with its blend of individual brilliance and tense chases, will be spoken about for years to come.

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