In the ODI Women`s World Cup 2025 match against Team India, Australia came victorious by three wickets at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Skipper Alyssa Healy was the architect of Australia`s run chase of 331 runs against the “Women in Blue”. Facing 107 deliveries, she slammed 142 runs, with the help of 21 boundaries and three maximums.
During the match, India`s Nallapureddy Charani claimed three wickets by conceding 41 runs in her spell of 10 overs. The spinner was getting a handsome amount of turn on the Vizag`s wicket.
Speaking about the match, Healy said that her side identified that Charani wouldn`t be the right bowler to target and hence went on to smash the Indian pacers.
“I think Charani was getting quite a bit of spin, the left-arm spinner. She was actually the pick of the bowlers and I think we identified that and thought if we could capitalise on some of the pace bowlers then that would be handy knowing they`ve only got five bowlers in their attack,” she said in the post-match press conference.
“But it wasn`t really a distinct plan as such. It just sort of panned out that way on the day and I think with the wicket sliding on, it probably enabled us to do it,” added the 35-year-old cricketer.
Earlier in the match, the Indian opening duo, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, had put on a stunning display with their willow.
They stitched a partnership of 155 runs in 24.3 overs, giving the side a strong start. Speaking about their partnership, Healy said she doubted her decision to bowl first in the clash.
“Sometimes as captain, you hang on for dear life and try the best you possibly can to stem the flow of runs. I think maybe after 8-9 overs with the ball in hand, I thought, oh, what have I done? Thinking we`re going to be chasing a big total. The two openers looked really set,” she said.
After this victory against the “Women in Blue”, Australia is enjoying the top spot on the points table. So far in the ODI Women`s World Cup 2025, the side has won three out of its four matches, and has a net run rate (NRR) of +1.353 and seven points.
(With PTI Inputs)