India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur rued a stunning lower-order collapse as world champions Australia chased down a record 331 to secure a three-wicket win in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday.

At 294 for 4 with over seven overs remaining, India seemed poised to cross 350 but lost their last six wickets for just 36 runs in seven overs. Annabel Sutherland ran through the Indian lower order, claiming her maiden five-wicket haul (5/40 in 9.5 overs).

“The way we started, we could have added 30-40 more runs. We missed runs in the last six overs and that cost us,” Harmanpreet said in the post-match presentation. “It was a good batting wicket, but not batting well in the last six overs cost us.”

Openers Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) had put together a solid 155-run partnership, setting the tone for India.

“Openers have been outstanding. Because of them, we have been scoring 300 runs. The last five overs cost us. In the last three games, we were not able to bat in the middle overs. Our lower order took responsibility,” Harmanpreet added.

India’s five-bowler strategy backfired again, as they struggled to make an impact while Australia dominated. Only Shree Charani (3/41) stood out with the ball.
“She has been outstanding. Today she bowled well to their batters. Even when Healy was batting, she didn’t give anything easily. We have a lot of hope from her to give breakthroughs,” said Harmanpreet.

Chasing 331—the highest successful target in women’s ODI history—Australia’s Alyssa Healy starred with 142 off 107 balls, while Ellyse Perry returned from earlier cramps to finish unbeaten on 47 off 52 balls, steering Australia to victory with an over to spare.

“To chase down 330 in a 50-over game is new territory for us. Hopefully, we don’t have to do it again,” said Healy, who was named player of the match. She credited both the bowling unit and Charani for helping control India’s innings.

On Perry’s cramps, Healy added, “The cramp worm’s going around, but we’ve got a couple of days off in Vizag to rest and recover.”

Australia next face Bangladesh at the same venue on Thursday, while India travel to Indore to play England on Sunday.