Alyssa Healy, the skipper, highlighted that Australia's approach of targeting India's pace bowlers was a key element of their record chase of 331 in the ICC Women's World Cup match on Sunday. Leading the way, Healy produced a scintillating 142 off 107 balls as her side won by three wickets. She added that Australia recognised that there would be some assistance for left-arm spinner Sree Charani and targeted Gaud and Kaur instead, taking advantage of India's limited five-bowler attack.

Both Gaud and Kaur had tough matches, going for 73 and 68 runs in their nine overs, respectively. "Charani was getting quite a bit of spin, and she was the standout bowler. We thought if we could take advantage of the pacers, it could set us up well, especially given there were only five options for India," said Healy following the match. Healy went on to say that while the plan to target the pace bowlers was not pre-planned, the conditions and the sliding wicket made it effective on the day.

Alyssa Healy Reveals Australia’s Tactical Approach

India looked in control early in the match after being asked to bat first, thanks to a 155-run opening stand between Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75). At one stage, India seemed poised for a mammoth total of around 380, but a dramatic collapse saw them lose six wickets for just 36 runs, ending on 330 in 48.5 overs. Healy admitted she briefly regretted bowling first, especially when India’s openers were dominating. “After eight or nine overs, I thought, ‘What have I done?’ The two openers looked really set,” she said.

However, Australia bounced back through pacer Annabel Sutherland (5/40), who delivered crucial breakthroughs with clever variations in the final overs. Healy lauded her bowlers for “hanging in there” and building pressure. Reflecting on her match-winning knock—her sixth ODI century and first as captain—Healy said, “It hasn’t been my day of late, but it was my day today. I would’ve liked to see it home, but putting the team in a winning position felt really good.”