Why IND-W Lost to AUS-W in the 13th Match of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: 3 Key Reasons Behind the Defeat

In Visakhapatnam, the congregation of two modern giants of women’s cricket (India and Australia) produced a high-energy thriller. Batting first, India Women bristled with 330 runs thanks largely to Smriti Mandhana’s sparkling 80 off 66 and Pratika Rawal’s mature 75. For 35 overs, India were in command – poised, powerful, and playing like a side ready to dethrone the defending champions. But the pattern, familiar enough in the folklore of Indian cricket, was altered when greatness to the fore from the opposition and a cluster of gaffes in tactical selection turned a near-certainty for triumph into another painful exercise in execution. Australia, led by Alyssa Healy’s towering 142 off 107 balls, hunted down the total with six balls to spare for a 3-wicket win that exposed India’s traditionally fragile middle-overs.

Death Overs Disaster: How Momentum Was Squandered After 240/3

India’s batting blueprint was perfect until it wasn’t. At 234/3 in the 37th over, with Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol well set, the platform demanded a 350-plus total. Then it all fell apart. Annabel Sutherland’s slower balls were like knives that were hidden in the middle and lower order just got it wrong. From 234/3 to 330 all out in 48.5 overs, India lost seven wickets for just 96 runs. Every batter post Richa Ghosh’s cameo (32 off 22 balls) looked to be in a hurry, forcing the display and not doing what was required to pace the finish.

The Healy Hurricane: Australia’s Masterclass in Controlled Aggression

There’s something about Alyssa Healy in ICC events; it’s not just runs, it’s the tempo of the chase that is rebooted. Her 142 (107) was no innings; it was ugly destruction masquerading as elegance. She neutralised the Indian spinners with footwork of unimagined dexterity to find the gaps like a missile guided by GPS. Healy was the difference between par and the Evil Empire’s obvious domination, but while there was assistance from Phoebe Litchfield (40) and Gardner (45), there was no doubt who was in command.

India could not answer the planned attack. Sneh Rana and Kranti Gaud were punished for 158 runs in 19 overs (a death sentence in a chase of 331). Even the spark of light, Shree Charani (3/41), was delivered late. By the time she got Healy out, they needed just 66 from 68 the damage had been done. 

Bowling Blindness: Flat Plans, Flat Pitch, and Flat Results

India’s batters were fearless, but their bowlers were clueless. Against a flat track in Vizag and with a target of 330, so much was needed in the way of ingenuity, slower balls, defensive fields, and bowling pressure. India stuck with length and negative tactics instead. Gaud and Sneh Rana were allocated to defend but came up with 0/158. There was so little diversity in the middle overs, which allowed Healy and Gardner to run free.

Harmanpreet’s uncertain switching of her bowlers in the earlier part of the game, and particularly holding back Deepti Sharma for after the Powerplay, inflicted losses to India’s rhythm. Amanjot Kaur’s 2/68 was the brave side, but she wasn’t a specialist bowler who had a cutting-edge plan. 

Australia showed us why they are still the gold standard, with the ability to adapt, to stay cool-headed, and the uncanny knack to seize the turning point. For India, it is back to the drawing board, not to look for new heroes, but to learn how to finish like one.

FAQs

1. Who was the Player of the Match in IND-W vs AUS-W?

Alyssa Healy won the award for her brilliant 142 off 107 balls.

2. What went wrong for India despite scoring 330?

India failed to capitalize in the death overs and couldn’t defend with disciplined bowling.

3. Which Indian bowler performed best in the match?

Shree Charani stood out with figures of 3/41, including the prized wicket of Alyssa Healy.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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