It took the outclassed England total 142 runs to touch Alyssa Healy’s extraordinary performance, which lit up the MCG on Sunday. Her brilliant performance helped Australia achieve a world record chase in the women’s ODI against India. On October 10, 2023, Australia played India at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia showed excellent class in the chase, overhauling India’s target of 331 runs and winning the final by three wickets.
Healy, in her own way, delivered a masterclass in batting. He plundered 21 boundaries and three maximums in just 107 balls! Her chanceless century, though, was an absolute masterclass in elegance, resilience and steely focus. She hit triple digits with a quick nod and blow of her cheeks, obviously happy with the accomplishment. This stunning form is all the more incredible given Healy’s ODI average – just shy of 35, making this even more impressive.
Healy had already led and kept wicket for more than 50 overs. This time, she stepped onto the pitch as an opener, tasked with leading her team through a long and difficult chase. She chose to bowl first because she wanted to get a feel for the surface. This strategy ended up being inspired, as it allowed Australia to maximize their skill and take advantage of their opening.
Australia began their innings steadily, with Healy steering the team close to victory alongside Ash Gardner, who contributed 45 runs. Healy’s effectiveness on both sides of the wicket proved crucial in unlocking India’s bowling attack. She showcased an impressive variety of strokes that got the scoreboard moving and consistently put the Indian bowlers on the back foot.
Healy took control of the match in a phenomenal innings. It came to an abrupt stop when she cut Shree Charani to Sneh Rana at point, preventing Australia from reaching the win they were on course for. The team’s chasing down of a mountainous total was a badge of honour, illustrating the depth and resolve of the talented team.
Alyssa Healy said she was proud of her side’s performance immediately after that match.
“Really proud of the group to pull ourselves over the line there. I kept preaching the depth we have got in our line-up, but full credit to our bowlers as well, who pulled it back as we could have been chasing 360 plus.” – Alyssa Healy
India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, recognized how big an ask it was for her side to post a defendable total.
“We needed 40 or 50 more runs. We knew it was a good batting wicket, and not being able to capitalise towards the end is what really cost us.” – Harmanpreet Kaur
The match marked a historic moment for women’s cricket, as Australia posted 331-7 in 49 overs, setting up the record chase that Healy and her teammates accomplished. This victory not only highlights Australia’s cricketing prowess but solidifies Healy’s legacy within the sport.
Alyssa Healy is best known for her batting exploits, but she has an impressive lineage as the niece of former Australia men’s wicketkeeper Ian Healy. Her shot making on this pitch reflects her uncle’s stellar cricketing lineage. This accomplishment adds to her legacy further bolstering her stature in Australian cricket.
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