Alyssa Healy's epic takedown of Indian nemesis as cricket world blown away by record feat

Alyssa Healy has had the last laugh over her fierce Indian rival Harmanpreet Kaur after a stunning century propelled Australia to a record-breaking run chase at the Women's Cricket World Cup. Healy blasted 142 runs to mastermind the historic chase, and she was ably supported by a courageous knock from Ellyse Perry, whose smashed the winning runs with a massive six as the Aussies closed out on 7-331 to win with three wickets and six balls to spare.

It came after India openers Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) lay the platform for a massive total for the hosts - whose 330 runs was the most ever conceded by the Aussie women's side in ODI history. But even that proved not enough against an inspired Australian side led by their superstar skipper, with Healy's magnificent ton her sixth in ODIs for the nation, and first as captain.

The historic knock would have been extra special for Healy against her nemesis Harmanpreet, following a history of bad blood between the rival skippers. The pair famously clashed in 2023 when Healy took exception to Harmanpreet throwing a ball at her during a Test match, but it was the Aussie who let her bat do the talking in Visakhapatnam to ramp up the pressure on her rival skipper.

Healy also drew the ire of Indian fans earlier that year with comments criticising her rival captain for a runout at the T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet said she was unlucky that her bat got stuck in the ground, but Healy declared it was a "lack of effort".

On Sunday night, the 35-year-old Healy rediscovered her devastating best form from the very start of the innings, racing to her century off 84 balls. The remarkable 142 came off just 107 deliveries and featured 21 fours, plus three sixes, to silence the home fans and keep her side's unbeaten run at the tournament going.

"Great result. To chase down 330 in 50-overs game is new territory for us — hopefully don't have to do it again," a weary Healy beamed afterwards. "Really proud of the group. It got a little bit tight, but we have been preaching about the depth in our line-up, and the fact we could chase this proved it."

Perry's late cameo with the bat was also crucial and came after the star all-rounder had to retire mid-innings with cramp. She emerged in the penultimate over to combine at the death by fast bowler Kim Garth (14 not out), with Perry's towering straight drive for six off Sneh Rana completing one of Australia's most memorable World Cup victories, after an epic fightback against Pakistan the previous game.

Australia remains unbeaten after epic Alyssa Healy century

The victory put Australia back on top of the league table, still unbeaten after four matches, with three wins and a wash-out. Healy's side are now well on course to qualify for the semi-finals after their 12th-straight completed World Cup win stretching back to 2022.

Healy thought she'd made an error by putting India in to bat first in front of a packed house Visakhapatnam, as Mandhana and Rawal put the Aussie bowlers to the sword. "Eight overs in, I was like 'what have I done?'," sighed Healy. "I thought we were going to be chasing 380 at one point, but the bowlers pulled it back."

The Aussie skipper said Annabel Sutherland's five-wicket haul was crucial to limiting the damage the hosts were able to do after a lightning-fast start to their innings. Sutherland's 5-40 came as India lost their last six wickets for just 36 runs to give the visitors hope.

Slow left-armer Sophie Molineux also made a good comeback, getting three wickets, including Mandhana's, despite going for an Australian World Cup worst of 75 runs off her 10 overs. Useful contributions from Harleen Deol (38 off 42), Jemimah Rodrigues (33 off 21) and Richa Ghosh (32 off 22) still put massive pressure on the champions.

But Healy picked the perfect time to score her first ODI century in three years, to prove that while form is temporary, class is permanent. "To contribute heavily was great. Would have liked to stay a bit longer but the girls got the job done," smiled Healy

Australia were boosted by opener Phoebe Litchfield (40 off 39) who combined with Healy to put on 85 in just 11.2 overs. Perry was on 32 only when she left the field with cramp but returned five wickets later. And Ash Gardner also contributed magnificently with 45 off 46 balls. Australia next face Bangladesh on Thursday.

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