Cricket fans witnessed history in Visakhapatnam as India and Australia battled in a Women’s World Cup classic that broke records, redefined rivalries, and showcased the true spirit of the game.
The Women’s World Cup saw a night of cricketing wonder in Visakhapatnam as India and Australia penned one of the most memorable games in the history of the tournament. Records were shattered, milestones fell, and the spectators were treated to a show that set new standards in women’s ODI cricket.
Australia, captained by the fearless Alyssa Healy, achieved the record successful chase in Women’s ODI history, pursuing India’s daunting target of 331 with breathtaking accuracy. Healy’s glorious 142 off 107 balls — studded with 21 boundaries and three sixes — not only stabilised the chase but also joined Karen Rolton and Meg Lanning for the record Australian number of World Cup hundreds.
Smriti Mandhana‘s Milestone Moment
India’s batting pyrotechnics started with Smriti Mandhana, who extended her golden touch with a neat 80 off 66 balls. In so doing, she became the youngest and quickest woman to score 5,000 ODI runs, and the first to achieve 1,000 runs in a calendar year — a towering feat that places her in the category of the greats.
Her fifth consecutive fifty against Australia drew parallels with Virat Kohli’s dominance over the same rivals in men’s cricket.
Power Partnership with Pratika Rawal
Mandhana discovered a perfect partner in Pratika Rawal, whose classy 75 contributed to a record-breaking 155-run opening partnership — the highest ever against Australia in Women’s World Cup history. Their partnership at the crease gave them their sixth century stand, second only to the iconic duo of Mithali Raj and Punam Raut.
Sutherland’s Birthday Magic
For Australia, it was a birthday one to remember for Annabel Sutherland. As she turned 24, she treated herself to her maiden five-wicket haul (5/40).
India’s Record-Breaking Total
Even before the pursuit started, India had made history, scoring their highest-ever World Cup score of 330, which eclipsed their 2022 score against West Indies.
A Night of Boundaries and Brilliance
In a befitting climax to the record-studded battle, the match witnessed 13 sixes ,seven by India and six by Australia ,most hit in a Women’s World Cup match.
As Visakhapatnam went dark, both sides strided off having extended the limits of what seemed possible. For India, a story of courageous endeavour and shattered records; for Australia, a record chase spurred by Healy’s genius. Together, they provided the world with a game that will be remembered as the evening women’s cricket reached new heights.
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