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Alyssa Healy Reflects on Australia’s Shock Semifinal Exit: “It Felt Un-Australian
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By Cricket Desk | October 31, 2025
Australia’s World Cup campaign came to a dramatic end as India scripted one of the greatest chases in women’s ODI history, knocking out the defending champions in the semifinals. It was a result few saw coming — and even Alyssa Healy, Australia’s skipper, couldn’t hide her disbelief. Describing the performance as “a little bit un-Australian,” Healy admitted her side fell short of their own high standards in all departments.
Australia’s Rare Off Day
After posting a formidable 338-run total, led by Phoebe Litchfield’s brilliant century, Australia appeared set for yet another World Cup final. However, their bowling and fielding faltered at crucial moments.
Loose deliveries on the leg side, missed chances, and lapses in focus proved costly — especially when Jemimah Rodrigues made full use of those reprieves, crafting a majestic 127 not out to steer India home in a record chase.
For Healy, what hurt most wasn’t just the loss — it was the feeling that her team had beaten themselves.
“We just weren’t sharp enough today — in batting, bowling, or fielding,” she reflected. “We created chances but didn’t take them. It feels disappointing because we pride ourselves on being clinical, and this wasn’t our best day.”
Unfamiliar Territory for the Champions
The defeat marked a rare low for an otherwise dominant side. For the first time since the T20 World Cup’s debut in 2009, Australia have failed to make the final in two consecutive ICC tournaments.
They entered the semifinal unbeaten in their last 15 ODI World Cup matches, and yet, under the pressure of the knockout, things unraveled.
Healy admitted that even she couldn’t pinpoint exactly why the team’s usually flawless fielding deserted them.
“Maybe it was semifinal nerves, maybe just concentration lapses — I’m not sure,” she said. “We created plenty of chances, but you can’t afford to give a player like Jemimah Rodrigues extra lives. She batted with amazing mental strength.”
Learning from Defeat
While the sting of defeat is fresh, Healy sees value in the experience for Australia’s younger players. She recalled how the 2017 loss to India prompted a rethink that eventually led to another period of dominance, culminating in the 2022 World Cup triumph.
“Losses like this can be a turning point,” Healy said. “Playing under real pressure helps us grow. It’s a reminder that there are always small areas to improve, and those lessons can fuel our next chapter.”
The emergence of stars like Phoebe Litchfield and Tahlia McGrath offers hope for the future. Healy believes the next generation is ready to carry Australia’s legacy forward.
A New Era for Women’s Cricket
Despite her disappointment, Healy praised India and South Africa for reaching the final, calling it a “great moment for global women’s cricket.”
“It’s amazing to see new champions emerge. The support in India has been incredible, and whoever wins — India or South Africa — it’s going to inspire a lot of young girls around the world,” she said.
Healy’s words reflect both the pain of defeat and the optimism that competition brings growth. Australia’s reign may have paused, but their hunger to reclaim glory remains stronger than ever.
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