- By Vishal Pushkar
- Fri, 07 Nov 2025 04:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India created history as they lifted their first-ever Women's World Cup trophy recently by defeating a resilient South Africa in the night of the final. However, one can safely assume that the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side had an even bigger challenge against former World Champions Australia in the semi-final. Beating Australia in a multi-nation tournament like the World Cup is no mean feat, and that too in a knockout game makes it even more special. Australia batter Phoebe Litchfield's century helped Australia to reach 338 runs; however, India completed the chase with 5 wickets in hand and 9 balls to spare.
Australian captain Alyssa Healy poured her heart out while speaking on the loss during her conversation with the Willow Talk Cricket podcast.
Healy admitted that she is still feeling the loss against India, but felt proud of her team’s campaign.
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“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."
“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.
“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 pointed out that the issue with the sightscreen and lightning, causing the delay, frustrated the side.
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“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.
Healy also acknowledged India’s composure and stated that the win has a broader significance.
“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.
