Hobart, Tasmania – Australian captain Alyssa Healy delivered a breathtaking performance in her final One Day International, smashing a magnificent 158 against India on Sunday. The innings, punctuated by 27 fours and two sixes, powered Australia to a commanding 185-run victory and an unassailable lead in the multi-format series. Healy’s remarkable knock wasn’t just a fitting farewell. it set a new benchmark, becoming the highest women’s one-day score against India and the highest in Australia.
The match at Bellerive Oval was a celebration of Healy’s illustrious career, marked by a guard of honour from the Indian team as she walked out to bat. Her 98-ball masterclass was particularly impressive as she battled through cramping in the 80s, seemingly fueled by the occasion. This performance also saw her equal Karen Rolton’s record of eight ODI centuries, trailing only Meg Lanning’s 15 among Australian women.
But Healy’s impact extended beyond her batting. The all-rounder even playfully took to the bowling crease for two overs, joking after the match that she simply responded to hearing her name called. While she didn’t claim a wicket – remaining without one in international cricket – the gesture underscored her commitment and spirit. The victory secures the ODI portion of the series for Australia, setting the stage for a final Test match in Perth next week, where Healy will officially retire from all forms of cricket.
A Team Effort Seals the Win
While Healy’s innings was the centerpiece, Australia’s dominant performance was a collective effort. Beth Mooney continued her excellent form, scoring an unbeaten 106 off 84 balls, adding 145 runs in a crucial partnership with Healy. Mooney described the pleasure of batting alongside Healy, noting how consistently the captain finds the boundary. “To finish like that, I hope she looks back and is really proud of her career. To be able to do that in her last ODI is unreal,” Mooney said, according to reports from Channel 7.
Georgia Voll also contributed with a solid 62, forming a 104-run second-wicket stand with Healy. Late contributions from Nicola Carey, who blasted an unbeaten 34 off just 15 balls, helped Australia reach a formidable total of 7-409 – their highest domestic score and just three runs shy of the overall record.
India Struggles in Pursuit
In response, India’s chase faltered early, with in-form opener Smriti Mandhana falling for a duck on the fourth ball. Leg-spinner Alana King proved instrumental in dismantling the Indian batting lineup, claiming 4-33 from 10 overs, including the key wicket of Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who was dismissed for 25. Jemima Rodrigues offered some resistance with 42 runs, but India ultimately succumbed to the Australian attack, being bowled out for 224 in 45.1 overs.
Lucy Hamilton, making her debut, also made an impact, “badging” Deepti Sharma with a bouncer, though Sharma was able to continue batting. Sneh Rana top-scored for India with 44, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a comprehensive defeat. India had previously posted a record score of 5-341 against Australia in a World Cup semi-final last October, but couldn’t replicate that form on Sunday.
Looking Ahead: Perth Test and Beyond
This series win comes after India had previously won the T20 leg 2-1. The upcoming Test match in Perth will mark the official conclude of Healy’s decorated international career. Cricket Australia also announced a change to the upcoming tour of the West Indies, which will now consist of three T20s and three ODIs, but will not include a Test match.
Not to be outdone, Beth Mooney also delivered a century for Australia.Credit: Getty Images
The focus now shifts to Perth, where Australia will aim to complete the series with a victory in the Test match and provide a fitting send-off to one of the game’s greats. Fans can identify further updates and schedules on the Cricket Australia website.
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