Shafali Verma’s Fifty demolido por Alyssa Healy’s 137* mientras Australia niega a India un blanqueo

Australia A Women spoiled India A’s hopes of a clean sweep, thanks to a stunning knock from skipper Alyssa Healy in the third ODI at the Ian Healy Stadium in Brisbane. Chasing 217, the hosts romped home by nine wickets to close out the series on a high, leaving India A girls with plenty to ponder as they prepare for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup in September.

Shafali Verma finally finds form

Put in to bat, India A made a promising start through Shafali Verma, who looked in commanding touch. The opener cracked a fluent 52 off 59 balls, timing her strokes with authority like she always does.

It was a much needed fifty for Shafali, who failed in the previous two 50-over games. She didn’t make a fifty in the T20 games as well. Despite a great WPL 2025, Shafali has been in and out of the national team.

Partnering her, Yastika Bhatia offered solidity with a patient 42 from 54 deliveries. The duo gave India A a platform, but regular wickets through the middle overs meant the innings never truly kicked on. Skipper Tahlia McGrath (3/40) led Australia’s bowling effort, with spinners Ella Hayward and Anika Learoyd striking crucial blows to bowl out India A for 216 in 47.4 overs.

Alyssa Healy’s masterclass kills the chase

If Shafali’s fifty gave India A a glimmer of hope, Alyssa Healy’s response shut the door almost instantly. The Australian captain was in imperious form, smashing an unbeaten 137 off just 85 balls, laced with 24 fours and 3 sixes. Her onslaught made light work of the chase, and alongside Tahlia Wilson’s 59, Healy ensured the game was all but sealed within the opening stand itself.

Rachel Trenaman chipped in with an unbeaten 21 as Australia A crossed the line in just 27.5 overs.

The knock capped off a remarkable series for Healy, who finished with 242 runs in three innings at an average of 121.00 and a strike rate of 126.70. Her dominance at the top was the defining factor in Australia A’s success, leaving India A bowlers short of answers throughout the series. A sign of things to come at the next ICC Women’s ODI World Cup?