In a historic encounter at the ICC Women’s World Cup, Australia pulled off the highest successful run chase in women’s One Day International (ODI) history, defeating India after chasing down a mammoth 331-run target in Visakhapatnam.

Batting first, India’s openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal gave their team a dream start with a 155-run opening stand. Mandhana struck a fluent 80, while Rawal scored a composed 75. The middle order also contributed steadily — Harleen Deol made 38, Jemimah Rodrigues scored 33, and Richa Ghosh added 32, guiding India to a strong total of 330 all out in 49 overs.

For Australia, Annabel Sunderland was the star with the ball, claiming five crucial wickets, which helped restrict India from crossing the 350-run mark.

Chasing 331, the Australian innings began confidently. Openers Phoebe Litchfield and captain Alyssa Healy built a solid foundation with an 85-run partnership. Litchfield departed for 40, but Healy carried on in commanding style. Ellyse Perry joined her and looked in fine touch before retiring hurt at 154 for 1.

Australia then faced a brief collapse as Beth Mooney (4) and Annabel Sunderland (0) were dismissed cheaply. However, Ashleigh Gardner steadied the innings alongside her captain, taking the total to 265 before Gardner fell.

Alyssa Healy, leading from the front, completed a spectacular century, scoring 142 runs off 107 balls — a knock filled with power and precision. Her dismissal gave India a glimmer of hope, but Ellyse Perry returned to the crease and, with an unbeaten 47, guided Australia to a thrilling three-wicket victory with one over to spare.

This victory not only secured crucial points for Australia but also etched their name in the record books — their chase of 331 runs is now the highest successful run chase in the history of women’s ODI cricket.

Cricket analysts hailed the match as a modern-day classic that showcased the rising standard, depth, and competitiveness of women’s cricket on the world stage.