MUMBAI — Alyssa Healy marked the beginning of her farewell international series with a characteristically brisk half-century, setting the platform for Australia’s commanding six-wicket victory over India in the opening one-day international at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. In what is confirmed to be her final series before retirement, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter scored 55 from 62 balls, providing the early impetus as the tourists chased down India’s total of 282 with 21 balls to spare.
The win gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, a crucial psychological advantage as both teams build towards the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India. Healy’s innings, while not a mammoth score, was rich in symbolic weight, blending her trademark aggressive intent with the poise of a player aware of her place in the game’s history. After the match, a reflective Healy told reporters, "It’s nice to contribute to a win. That’s all you ever want to do when you pull on the Australian shirt."
A Fitting Start to a Final Bow
The narrative of the day was irresistibly centered on Healy. Walking out to bat after Australia won the toss and elected to field, she received a warm ovation from the modest crowd and respectful applause from the Indian players. Any sentimentality, however, was quickly shelved for business as usual. Healy launched into her innings with familiar fearlessness, driving and cutting with precision to keep the scoreboard ticking over rapidly alongside Phoebe Litchfield. Their 77-run opening partnership in just 13.2 overs effectively nullified India’s total, which had looked competitive at the innings break.
Healy’s knock was eventually ended by a sharp return catch to Deepti Sharma, but by then the required rate was under control. Her departure brought a moment of reflection for many watching. Australian captain Tahlia McGrath, standing in for the injured Alyssa Healy in a ceremonial twist, acknowledged the significance. "It was a pretty special innings from Midge," McGrath said. "To see her walk out there and play with that freedom and joy, it’s what she’s done her whole career. We’re all just really proud to be sharing the field with her in this series."
India's Innings: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
Earlier, India’s innings of 282 for 8 was built around a superb 117 from vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, her sixth ODI century. Mandhana played beautifully through the off-side, combining elegant drives with powerful pulls. She found solid support from Jemimah Rodrigues (82), with the pair adding 101 for the third wicket. However, the home side will rue their inability to accelerate in the final 15 overs, a period where they lost wickets in clusters and managed boundaries only sporadically.
The Australian bowling attack, led by the ever-reliable Megan Schutt (2/44) and the impressive Ashleigh Gardner (2/42), executed their death-bowling plans with discipline. Key moments that stifled India’s momentum included:
- The dismissal of a well-set Rodrigues by a slower ball from Schutt.
- Gardner’s crucial wicket of the dangerous Richa Ghosh in the 44th over.
- Tight overs from Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham in the batting powerplay.
Mandhana acknowledged the shortfall in her post-match assessment. "We were probably 20-25 runs short. The partnership between me and Jemi was good, but we lost wickets after that and couldn’t get the big flourish at the end. That’s an area we need to improve," she stated.
Composed Chase Seals Australian Victory
Australia’s chase was a model of calculated aggression. After Healy’s initial blast, the composed Beth Mooney (46) and the in-form Ellyse Perry (75 not out) steered the ship through the middle overs with a 94-run partnership. Perry, in particular, was a picture of class, rotating the strike effortlessly and punishing any loose delivery. Her innings ensured there were no late jitters, even when Mooney and McGrath fell in relative succession.
The finishing touches were applied by the powerful Phoebe Litchfield, who remained unbeaten on 78, showcasing the depth and continuity in the Australian batting line-up. India’s bowlers struggled for consistent penetration, with only Deepti Sharma (2/48) finding some purchase on a surface that remained good for batting throughout.
Looking Ahead in the Series
With the series opener convincingly won, Australia has seized the initiative. The focus now shifts to the second ODI at the same venue, where India faces a must-win scenario to keep the series alive. For Australia, the mission is twofold: clinch the series and send their legendary opener off in the style she deserves. Healy’s influence on the game extends far beyond this series, but her teammates are determined to make these final chapters victorious ones.
The sentiment within the camp was summed up by all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner. "Midge has been the heartbeat of this team for so long. She’s the one who sets the tone, whether she’s with the gloves or the bat. We want to make sure she gets the send-off that matches everything she’s given to Australian cricket." Based on the commanding start in Mumbai, both those goals appear firmly within reach.