Australia’s skipper Alyssa Healy has finally opened up about the heartbreak of crashing out of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, just a week after her team’s shock exit in Mumbai. Australia entered the knockouts as the only unbeaten side of the tournament, dominating every group-stage encounter with trademark precision. But in the high-pressure do-or-die clash, the defending champions were stunned by a spirited Indian side riding on Jemimah Rodrigues’ career-defining 127* and captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s authoritative 89.

Australia had posted a formidable 338, thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s sublime maiden World Cup century. Yet, Healy admitted that the total felt “under par” considering the strong platform created by Ellyse Perry and Litchfield in the first half of the innings. Speaking on the Willow Talk Cricket podcast, Healy said the loss still feels raw, despite her pride in how Australia played throughout the seven-week event.

“I won’t lie, I’ve been better,” Alyssa Healy confessed. “We played some incredible cricket but just couldn’t get past that Indian hurdle. It’s disappointing, but I’m excited about what this group can achieve in the next cycle.”

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Reflecting on the loss, she said the team felt the sting more deeply because they had been in top form all tournament.

“Everyone was stepping up, everyone was contributing, and then you have half an off night — unfortunately in a knockout game. It’s sad that we don’t have a trophy to show for it.”

Healy highlighted two dropped catches off Jemimah Rodrigues as turning points, both of which proved costly as the Indian batter went on to anchor the chase till the very end.

The Australian captain also recalled her own dismissal in a chaotic moment influenced by lighting and sightscreen issues. “There was a lot happening around the sightscreen. It was frustrating. If I’d waited just a minute longer, we probably would’ve gone off and come back again,” she said.

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Despite the heartbreak, Healy was gracious in defeat, praising India’s composure under pressure. “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.