Healy won the toss and inserted the Indians on an awfully flat-looking wicket. Both sides have experienced major stutters with the bat thus far. Today there was none of that. India took on Australia’s bowling and pillaged to their hearts’ content. Had it not been for Annabelle Sutherland India might have made 400. Pratika and Mandhana began with an opening stand of 155 at better than a run a ball. Thereafter the rest of the side chipped in with useful runs. But no-one made a century, and this ultimately was the difference. Sutherland’s changes of pace – she has three different slower deliveries – flummoxed the Indians at crucial moments. Her 5/40 saved the women in yellow from an impossible chase. In the end India were bowled out a trifle early for 330.
The shenanigans at New Delhi notwithstanding, everything would have to go right in such a massive run-chase. The power play produced eighty-odd without loss. Healy lost Litchfield for an excellent 40, but Perry provided excellent support until she had to retire hurt. Then Mooney and Sutherland fell cheaply and the home crowd’s spirits swelled in admiration. But Healy was unstoppable. Tonight she shook off her want of concentration and waited for the ball to come to her. She put on 95 with Gardner and victory beckoned. But by the end she was exhausted, and chipped a low catch to Rana. By then she had made 142 from 107, and the end seemed plain sailing.
Appearances were deceptive. India fought hard, and fielded as though their lives depended on it. Much of the home team’s recovery depended on Shree Charani, whose quickish left-arm orthodox halted Australia in their tracks. Her ten overs produced a priceless 3/41, and she dragged India to within a gasp of victory. Charani’s secret is that she spins the ball hard, producing both turn and drift. But the return of Perry at no.8 turned the tide in Australia’s favour. She and Garth calmly picked off the runs; Perry concluding proceedings an over early with a straight-driven six.
This was surely the match of the tournament thus far. Both teams produced their best efforts. Because only the best would do.