The recent ICC Women’s World Cup match between India and Australia in Visakhapatnam was an absolute spectacle, etching its name into history as one of the most electrifying and record-shattering encounters ever seen in the tournament. In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Australia successfully chased down a colossal target of 331 runs, winning by three wickets with an entire over to spare, showcasing both individual brilliance and remarkable team resilience.
Mandhana’s Milestone: 5,000 WODI Runs
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana, known for her phenomenal form, once again proved why she’s a cricketing sensation. She scored an impressive 80 runs during the match, simultaneously achieving a monumental milestone: becoming the youngest and fastest woman to reach 5,000 One Day International runs. Her incredible year continued as she also became the first-ever player to surpass 1,000 runs in a calendar year, accumulating an astounding 1,062 runs in just 18 innings. Mandhana’s consistent dominance against Australia, marked by five consecutive scores of 50 or more against the reigning champions, has solidified her reputation as an “Aussie hunter,” drawing parallels to Virat Kohli’s legendary performances in men’s cricket.
A Formidable Opening Partnership
Complementing Mandhana’s explosive batting was her opening partner, Pratika Rawal. Their powerful 155-run stand marked the highest opening partnership ever recorded against Australia in Women’s World Cups. This stellar collaboration also became the second-most century partnership for an Indian pair in ODIs this calendar year, with the duo collectively achieving six such century stands, a feat second only to the legendary pair of Mithali Raj and Punam Raut.
Sutherland’s Birthday Brilliance
On the Australian side, all-rounder Annabel Sutherland celebrated her 24th birthday in spectacular fashion. She not only claimed her first-ever five-wicket haul, finishing with exceptional figures of 5/40, but also reached her 50th WODI wicket. This made her the first woman to achieve a five-wicket haul on her birthday and only the second cricketer in the entire history of ODI cricket to do so.
India’s Record World Cup Total
India’s batting performance was equally historic, as they posted a formidable total of 330 runs. This became their highest-ever score in a Women’s World Cup match, surpassing their previous best of 317/8 against West Indies in 2022.
Healy’s Heroic Chase
However, it was Australian captain Alyssa Healy who truly stole the spotlight with an unforgettable performance. Her magnificent century, a masterful 142 runs off just 107 balls, including 21 fours and three sixes, powered Australia to a record-breaking victory. This incredible innings set a new benchmark for the highest-ever successful run chase in women’s ODI history, surpassing Sri Lanka’s 302-run chase against South Africa from the previous year. Healy’s century also brought her level with cricketing greats Karen Rolton and Meg Lanning for the most centuries by an Australian player in Women’s World Cups.
A Six-Hitting Spectacle
Beyond the individual milestones and team records, the match itself was a festival of sixes. A total of 13 maximums were smashed – seven by India and six by Australia – making it the Women’s World Cup match with the most sixes ever recorded. This thrilling display of power-hitting added another layer of excitement to an already historic encounter.