Alyssa Healy’s Australia cruised into the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 group stages as the only unbeaten side of the tournament. However, the defending champions were stunned by hosts India in the do-or-die
knockout game. Phoebe Litchfield century guided Australia to a daunting total of 338 runs but nailed the chase with 5 wickets in hand, riding on a Jemimah Rodrigues’ gutsy 127 not-out and a solid 89-run innings from captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
A week after getting knocked out of the mega ICC event in India, Australian captain Healy opened up on the heartbreaking loss to the hosts. Speaking on the Willow Talk Cricket podcast, Healy said she was proud of her team’s campaign but couldn’t shake off the pain of falling short.
“I won’t lie, I’ve been better,” Healy said. “We played some really incredible cricket over seven weeks, but just couldn’t get past that Indian hurdle. It’s disappointing, but I’m excited about what this team can do in the next cycle.”
Healy admitted that Australia had fallen short with the bat despite putting up 338 runs, even as Phoebe Litchfield notched up her maiden World Cup century.
“I actually thought we were a bit under-par. When Pez (Ellyse Perry) and Phoebe were batting, we were looking at 350-plus. If we had pushed up there, it might have made a difference,” she said.
Reflecting on the defeat, Healy said it hurt more because Australia had been performing exceptionally well throughout the tournament.
“Everyone was contributing, everyone was playing out of their skin, and we just had half an off night in a knockout game. It’s sad that we don’t have a trophy to show for it.”
“Two dropped catches off Jemimah Rodrigues — who went on to remain unbeaten on 127 — proved costly for Australia.”
Healy also spoke about her own dismissal during a chaotic period affected by lighting issues.
“There was a lot happening around the sightscreen and lights. It was frustrating. If I had waited a minute longer, we’d have gone off the field and come back again,” she said.
Despite the heartbreak, Healy lauded India’s composure and acknowledged the broader significance of their win.
“India got themselves over the line, and it’s great for women’s cricket. It’ll haunt me for a little while, but that’s okay,” she concluded.
