Historic India-Australia Clash: Records Shattered in Women's World Cup Showdown
A Thrilling Encounter in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 13: The highly anticipated match between India and Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup delivered an exhilarating performance, highlighted by Indian opener Smriti Mandhana's record-breaking feats. However, it was Annabel Sutherland's remarkable five-wicket haul and a stunning century from captain Alyssa Healy that led Australia to a thrilling three-wicket victory on Sunday.
Record-Breaking Moments
This match was a showcase of extraordinary achievements, from individual milestones to team records. Mandhana's accomplishments and Australia's continued dominance in the tournament were on full display.
- Smriti Mandhana's Milestone
Mandhana became the fifth woman to score 5,000 runs in ODIs, achieving this in just 112 matches with an impressive average of 47.37, including 13 centuries and 33 fifties. At 29 years and 68 days, she is the youngest to reach this milestone and the fastest in terms of innings and balls faced, surpassing previous records held by Stafanie Taylor and Suzie Bates.
After breaking Belinda Clark's record for the most runs in a calendar year during her last match against South Africa, Mandhana became the first player to surpass 1,000 runs in a single year, amassing 1,062 runs in 18 matches at an average of 59.00.
Mandhana's Dominance Against Australia
In her last five innings against Australia, Mandhana scored 105, 58, 117, 125, and 80, making her the only player to achieve five consecutive 50-plus scores against the Australian women's team in ODIs. Across 20 ODIs against Australia, she has accumulated 996 runs at an average of 49.80.
- The Dynamic Opening Pair
Pratika Rawal has emerged as a significant contributor for India, scoring 982 runs in 21 ODIs at an average of 49.10. Together, Mandhana and Rawal have formed a formidable opening partnership, recording six century stands, the second-highest in Indian women's ODI history.
Annabel Sutherland's Birthday Triumph
Sutherland celebrated her 24th birthday by achieving her first five-wicket haul, taking 5/40 and marking her 50th wicket in Women’s ODIs. She is now the first female cricketer to secure a five-wicket haul on her birthday in ODIs.
India's Historic Total
India's total of 330 runs set a new record for the highest score in Women’s Cricket World Cup history, surpassing their previous record of 317/8 against the West Indies in 2022.
Healy's Stellar Performance
Alyssa Healy's remarkable innings of 142 runs off 107 balls, featuring 21 fours and three sixes, is now the highest score in a Women’s ODI run-chase against India. This performance ties her with Karen Rolton and Meg Lanning for the most centuries by Australian women in World Cup history.
Australia's Historic Chase
Australia's successful chase of 331 runs marks the highest target ever achieved in women's ODI history, surpassing Sri Lanka's previous record of 302. They completed the chase with an over to spare, setting a new benchmark in Women’s World Cup history.
A total of 13 sixes were hit during the match, with India contributing seven and Australia six, marking the highest number of sixes in a World Cup match.
Match Summary
Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first. The opening partnership between Pratika Rawal (75) and Mandhana (80) set a solid foundation with a 155-run stand. However, India struggled to capitalize on this start, eventually being bowled out for 330.
During the chase, Healy's partnership with Phoebe Litchfield (40) was crucial, and despite a brief resurgence from India, Australia secured the win with contributions from Ellyse Perry (47*) and Kim Garth (14*).
Healy was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for her outstanding performance.