Healy Owns Up as India Stun Australia in Record World Cup Chase

It was supposed to be another Australian masterclass. Instead, it turned into a night they’ll replay in their minds for a long time. 

India’s women pulled off the highest-ever chase in ODI history, stunning the defending champions by chasing down 338 in Navi Mumbai. The packed crowd could barely believe it. Every boundary echoed through the stadium like thunder.

After the defeat, Alyssa Healy didn’t sugarcoat anything. She said, “We did that to ourselves.” 

At 220 for 2 in the 34th over, Australia looked set for 350 or more. But then came the collapse. Wickets fell in clusters. Timing vanished. Momentum slipped. Suddenly, the scoreboard told a different story. They were bowled out for 338 in 49.5 overs, just short of what they needed.

The fielding was bad. They dropped three catches, two off Jemimah Rodrigues, and she made them pay. “We created enough chances,” Healy said later. “We just didn’t take them. I’m at fault too.”

That honesty hit home. It wasn’t the calm, clinical Australia fans were used to. This one hurt. You could see it on Healy’s face.

India was simply fearless and calculated. Their top order went after every bowler, their middle order steadied when things got tense, and when Rodrigues lofted that winning shot, the roar felt like a wave.

Comparisons were quickly drawn to Australia’s 2024 T20 World Cup exit. Healy even said it felt familiar, the same kind of self-inflicted stumble. “We didn’t play the way we wanted,” she admitted. “We’ll learn from that.”

Still, she found a sliver of pride. “We’ve played some unbelievable cricket,” she added. “In knockout games, if you don’t turn up, anyone can beat you.”

There was also time to praise the next generation. Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 went in vain, but it was a glimpse of the future. “She was sensational,” Healy smiled. “That’s what excites me about what’s next.”

And then came the line that made reporters pause. “I won’t be there for the next one.” Just like that, Healy confirmed this was her final Women’s Cricket World Cup.

It was a raw and honest statement from her. As she walked off under the MCG lights, applause followed her. A legend acknowledging her own mistakes. Moments like that are rare in sport. But that’s Alyssa Healy, all class and no excuses.