Annabel Sutherland carved her name into women’s cricket history on October 12 with a phenomenal five-wicket haul against India in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, achieved on her birthday—an unprecedented feat for a woman in the sport. Her spell of 5 for 40 in 9.5 overs proved pivotal in containing India to 330 all out, breaking crucial partnerships and halting the momentum India had built during their innings.
From early on, Sutherland’s bowling brought a sense of control and menace after India’s power-packed opening partnership threatened to give them a commanding total. She made the breakthrough by dismissing the in-form Pratika Rawal, who had scored a solid 75. Sutherland’s delivery, angled well and with varied pace, induced Rawal into a mistimed shot, caught by Ellyse Perry at fine leg, breaking the threatening first-wicket stand and jolting India’s innings.
Sutherland continued to build pressure by targeting the middle order with precision. She outfoxed Jemimah Rodrigues with a cleverly disguised slower ball in the middle overs, which forced Rodrigues into a risky shot leading to a catch by Beth Mooney. This wicket was crucial since Jemimah was scoring quickly, and her dismissal stemmed India’s momentum at a vital stage.
In response to Richa Ghosh’s aggressive intent, Sutherland altered her pace and length masterfully, resulting in Ghosh mistiming a powerful shot that sailed into Georgia Wareham’s hands. Her tactical variation demonstrated her maturity and understanding of the game, keeping India on the back foot as they sought to accelerate the innings.
With the innings approaching its climax, Sutherland struck twice in rapid succession, sealing her five-wicket haul in emphatic fashion. Kranti Gaud fell to a perfectly executed slower ball, caught at short cover, followed by the young Shree Charani, who was bowled after missing a defense. These late wickets ensured India could not push their total beyond 330, a significant containment considering their earlier dominance.
Annabel Sutherland’s landmark achievement on her birthday not only shifted the course of the match but etched her name in the history books as the first woman to take a five-wicket haul in ODIs on her birthday. Her spell was a masterclass in tactical bowling and mental strength, showcasing why she is one of the most exciting talents in women’s cricket today and underlining her importance to the Australian team’s ambitions in this World Cup.
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