Record Chase Ends Australia’s World Cup Dream

News Desk 

Mumbai: Australia captain Alyssa Healy admitted her team’s performance in the Women’s ODI World Cup semifinal defeat to India was “a little bit un-Australian,” after the seven-time champions crashed out despite posting a formidable total of 338.

Healy’s remark captured the mood of disbelief that followed one of Australia’s rare failures on the global stage. Phoebe Litchfield’s brilliant century had set the platform for dominance, but Australia’s bowlers and fielders faltered as India pulled off a record-breaking chase, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127.

“We just weren’t sharp enough today, probably in all three areas,” Healy said after the match. “We created opportunities but didn’t take them. Not to take anything away from India — they played really well — but it feels disappointing knowing we let ourselves down a bit.”

Dropped catches by Healy and Tahlia McGrath proved costly, allowing Rodrigues to steer India home in style. “Those dropped catches definitely changed the course of the match,” Healy admitted. “Was it semi-final pressure? Maybe. I’m not sure. But we didn’t capitalize on the chances we created.”

The defeat ended Australia’s unbeaten streak of 15 World Cup matches and marked the first time since 2009 that they have missed consecutive ICC finals. It follows their semifinal exit at the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

Reflecting on the loss, Healy said the setback could prove valuable for the next generation. “The opportunity for our players to experience that kind of pressure will do wonders for our group,” she noted. “It happened in 2017 too — we learned, regrouped, and came back stronger. This will be another reminder that we can be better in key moments.”

Despite the sting of defeat, Healy praised the tournament’s competitiveness and looked forward to seeing a new champion emerge. “It’s been one of the closest World Cups ever,” she said. “To have a new winner — whether India or South Africa — will be great for women’s cricket globally.”