Lessons for India: How Australia Outplayed the Hosts

This match between India and Australia in Visakhapatnam turned into a thrilling battle. India batted first and posted a massive total of 330 runs. Australia responded with a record-breaking chase and won by three wickets. This game now stands as one of the most dramatic in Women’s World Cup history.

India’s innings — a strong start

India opened with Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. They hammered the Australian bowlers from the start, playing with confidence and aggression. Mandhana struck nine boundaries and six sixes in her 80 off 66 balls. Rawal backed her well with a calm, composed 75 runs. Together they added about 150 runs for the first wicket. That foundation gave India the freedom to push harder in the later overs.

After the openers fell, Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues attacked. They kept the momentum high with quick boundaries and smart running between wickets. India finished with 330 all out, a very competitive total in women’s ODIs.

Annabel Sutherland was the standout bowler for Australia. She took five wickets for 40 runs. Sophie Molineux also bowled well. Their efforts prevented India from going even higher, but India’s top order had already done the heavy lifting.

Australia’s chase — a masterclass in batting

Australia began their chase with clarity and intent. Alyssa Healy led from the front. She played a stunning innings of 142 off 107 deliveries. She used her experience to manage pressure and pace her innings well. She hit more than twenty boundaries and several big shots. Her knock changed the tone of the match.

She first built a partnership with Phoebe Litchfield to keep Australia steady. Later, she combined well with Ashleigh Gardner and then with Ellyse Perry to keep the required run rate in check. When the middle overs slowed, India’s bowlers struck back: Deepti Sharma trapped Tahlia McGrath LBW, and Amanjot Kaur grabbed two wickets in the same spell.

At that moment, India looked like it could turn the match. But Australia had one more hero waiting.

Ellyse Perry had left the field temporarily due to injury. She returned, looked composed, and anchored the finish with 47 not out. She guided Australia to 331 for 7, sealing the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history.

Key performers and turning moments

Alyssa Healy (Australia): Her 142 changed the match’s direction. She showed skill, courage, and control under pressure.

Smriti Mandhana (India): Her 80 and the milestone of reaching 5,000 runs in WODIs stood out. Her attacking mindset gave India a robust start.

Pratika Rawal (India): Her steady 75 alongside Mandhana laid the essential platform for India’s final total.

Annabel Sutherland (Australia): Her 5-for was critical. She struck early and often, slowing India’s momentum.

Ellyse Perry (Australia): Her calm finish, after coming back from injury, ensured victory. She held the innings together when India threatened a collapse.

Turning points

• When Healy got out for 142, India had a chance. That catch by Sneh Rana breathed hope into the Indian side.
• Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur’s quick wickets in the middle overs brought India back into the game.
• But Perry’s return and her composed approach at the end crushed India’s hopes.

What this means for the tournament

Australia’s win solidifies their status as favorites. They now have a strong points tally from their matches. India’s position looks shaky. They need to regroup fast. Their next big game is against England, and they cannot afford to slack. Australia will try to keep their momentum strong in upcoming matches.

Lessons learned, and what India needs to improve

1. Stronger middle-overs game: India started brilliantly but lost control in the middle. They need bowlers who can hold pressure and batters who can revive momentum.
2. Death overs bowling clarity: Australia’s lower order sealed the match in the final overs. India must plan better lines, variations, and field placements at the death.
3. Mental resilience: Chasing, or defending big totals, puts huge pressure. Australia showed calm nerves under stress. India must build match temperament.
4. Fielding execution matters: India took some key catches, but dropping or missing chances at any moment can shift momentum. They must stay sharp all the time.

Final thoughts

This match will remain in memories for its swing and drama. India showed they can bat big and challenge strong bowling attacks. But Australia showed they can chase massive totals, stand tall under pressure, and pull off unlikely comebacks.

For India, this is a tough lesson. They got so close, yet ended up on the losing side. For Australia, it is a statement win — proof that in women’s cricket today, records can fall and chases once thought impossible are now in reach.

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