Daijiworld Media Network - Hobart
Hobart, Mar 1: Alyssa Healy produced a fairytale farewell to ODI cricket, smashing a breathtaking 158 off just 98 balls in her final innings as Australia piled up a massive 409 for 7 against India in Hobart.
Battling a calf issue in the latter half of her knock, Healy delivered one of the finest innings of her glittering career. She struck 27 fours and two sixes in a dominant display, becoming only the sixth woman and the second Australian to register two 150-plus scores in ODIs. Her 150 came off just 95 balls, making it the second-fastest in women’s ODIs.
It was the highest individual score in a women’s ODI in Australia and the highest ever against India. Healy also joined Johmari Logtenberg as the only women to score a century in their final ODI appearance.
Earlier, Healy was given a guard of honour by India after being sent in to bat. She began cautiously, even playing out a maiden from Renuka Singh, before shifting gears with trademark pulls and lofted drives. After a close lbw call went in her favour via DRS, she grew in confidence and reached her fifty off 49 balls.
She shared a 104-run stand with Georgia Voll, who made a brisk 62 off 52 balls. Healy later brought up her eighth ODI hundred off just 79 deliveries — the joint second-most by an Australian woman — before launching a brutal assault on India’s bowlers. She needed just 16 balls to surge from 100 to 150.
A double century looked possible before her calf trouble worsened. Attempting a reverse paddle sweep off Sneh Rana, she was bowled with 13.3 overs still remaining.
While Healy dominated headlines, Beth Mooney played a superb supporting role before finishing with an unbeaten 106 off 84 balls. Initially slow at 2 off 12, Mooney accelerated brilliantly, scoring her sixth ODI century and showcasing her full range of strokes. She struck 10 boundaries and a six, facing just two dot balls in her final 40 deliveries.
Nicola Carey added late impetus with 34 not out off 15 balls as Australia surged past the 400-run mark, despite losing 4 for 37 in the final 10 overs.
India endured a difficult day in the field, with Shree Charani becoming only the third woman to concede 100-plus runs in an ODI innings. Three Indian bowlers conceded more than 80 runs — a rare and unwanted record for the side.
Earlier, Australia handed a debut to left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton.
Healy’s farewell innings ensured her ODI career ended in unforgettable fashion, leaving behind a legacy marked by fearless strokeplay and match-defining performances.