Healy Signs Off with Century as Australia Dominates India in ODI Farewell
Hobart, Tasmania – Alyssa Healy etched her name into Australian cricket history with a magnificent 158, marking her final One Day International appearance in style as Australia secured a resounding 185-run victory over India at Hobart on Sunday. The win completed a 3-0 sweep of the ODI series following a 2-1 triumph for India in the preceding T20 matches.
Healy’s Farewell Masterclass
The Australian captain reached her century in 79 balls, accelerating to 150 off just 95 deliveries before ultimately being dismissed for 158 off 98 balls, including 27 fours and two sixes. This innings stands as the highest women’s one-day score against India and the highest women’s one-day international innings in Australia. It was Healy’s second-highest ODI score, surpassed only by her 170 against England in the 2022 50-over World Cup final.
Record-Breaking Australian Total
Healy wasn’t alone in her offensive display. Beth Mooney contributed an unbeaten 106 off 84 balls, helping Australia post a formidable total of 7-409 – their highest score in Australia and eighth-highest in women’s ODI history.
India’s Struggles in Pursuit
In response, India struggled to contain the Australian attack, being bowled out for 224 in 45.1 overs. Sneh Rana top-scored for India with 44 off 74 balls, but the chase was never truly on. Alana King proved to be the most effective Australian bowler, claiming 4-33.
Series Standing and Future Prospects
Australia now leads the multi-format series 8-4, having won all three ODIs after India’s 2-1 victory in the T20 series. The series concludes with a Test match at Perth’s WACA ground, beginning on March 6th, where Australia can secure at least a draw. Healy expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well in the upcoming Test match, stating, “To set ourselves in a position where we don’t have to win is a great sign for the series, but we are going [to the Test match] to win.”
Healy Reflects on Her ODI Career
“What a ridiculous sport we play that it can kick you down so many times and then give you opportunities like it has today,” Healy said after the match. “I’ve hated every milestone match so today was just an opportunity to go out and enjoy it and it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had. I was fine this morning and then seeing Lucy Hamilton make her debut made me realise how special and lucky I have been over the last 15 years, to have done it as many times as I have. It’s a nice way to sign off in yellow.”
Healy’s final game for Australia will be the upcoming Test match.