On the field at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the Australian women’s cricket team continued their impressive performance against India in the third one-day international (ODI) of the series. Electing to bat, Australia amassed a towering score of 338 runs, thanks to a phenomenal display of batting prowess by openers Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield. Their partnership proved to be the cornerstone of their team’s success, as they compiled a breathtaking 189-run stand for the first wicket in just under 29 overs.
This opening salvo not only laid the foundation for Australia’s imposing total but also etched the pair’s names into the history books. Healy and Litchfield’s partnership is now the highest for any wicket by an Australian pair against India in the ODI format. They surpassed the previous best, a 180-run association held jointly by Alex Blackwell and Meg Lanning in 2012 at the same Mumbai venue, and Blackwell’s similar stint with Ellyse Perry in 2016 in Canberra.
The onslaught by Healy and Litchfield did not stop at breaking Australian records. It also eclipsed the record for the highest opening partnership against India in women’s ODIs, previously held by South Africa’s Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt, who had stitched together 169 runs in Lucknow in 2021. Australia’s dominance in these partnerships is noteworthy, as it now boasts four out of the top five stands against India in ODIs.
As the match progressed, India found some respite by breaking through the impressive opening stand. The Australian juggernaut, which seemed unstoppable at 189 for no loss, wobbled slightly to reach 216 for 4 in a dramatic phase lasting less than seven overs. Nonetheless, Australia showed their depth and resilience, with the middle and lower order contributing vital runs, to eventually post an intimidating total of 338 for the loss of seven wickets by the conclusion of their 50 overs.
What truly stood out in Australia’s innings was not just the record-breaking partnership, but also the manner in which they regrouped after the sudden spate of wickets. Individual players stepped up at crucial junctures, preventing India from capitalizing on the brief momentum shift. It emphasized the Australian team’s ability to not only build big innings but to also recover swiftly from setbacks – characteristics of a team with a strong winning mentality.
Australia’s consistent dominance in women’s cricket, particularly against India, is reflected in the numerous records they hold. Their performances have often been defined by memorable partnerships and exemplary batting displays that have set benchmarks for cricketing excellence. The latest feat by Healy and Litchfield at the Wankhede Stadium is another testament to their cricketing supremacy and the depth of talent within the squad.
It will be interesting to see how India responds to this challenging total and whether they can conjure a competitive chase against a formidable Australian bowling lineup. With their backs against the wall, it presents an opportunity for the Indian team to showcase their own mettle and possibly script a memorable chapter in their cricketing history, much like the Australians have done with their record-shattering performance.
