Australia reclaims World Cup title after Alyssa Healy masterclass
Australia has reclaimed the Women’s World Cup title, defeating reigning champions England after an incredible Alyssa Healy masterclass.
Australia has reclaimed the Women’s Cricket World Cup, defeating reigning champions England by 71 runs on Sunday to win the title for the first time since 2013.
Alyssa Healy rewrote the history books in Christchurch, putting together one of the most destructive batting performances in World Cup cricket to steer Australia towards a record total.
The wicketkeeper pummelled 170 off 138 balls in the must-win final at Hagley Oval to help Australia register a whopping team total of 5/356 from its 50 overs.
And despite a career-best knock from vice-captain Nat Sciver in the run chase, England fell comfortably short of the target.
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Heather Knight won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that quickly backfired on the England skipper.
England’s bowlers had no answer for Healy’s masterclass, yelling in frustration every time she found the boundary rope.
The Aussies were assisted by some sloppy fielding and dropped catches, which only compounded England’s woes in the field.
Healy, who was later named Player of the Match, cracked 26 boundaries in the one-sided demolition, seamlessly finding gaps in the field as she toppled record after record after record.
The list of her accolades is lengthy:
— largest individual score in a World Cup final, men’s or women’s
— most runs in a Women’s World Cup tournament
— first cricketer to score a century in the semi-final and final of a World Cup tournament, men’s or women’s
— largest individual score against England in women’s ODIs
— most boundaries in a Women’s World Cup innings
Former Australian captain Lisa Sthalekar tweeted: “This is ridiculous from @ahealy77! We are witnessing the best innings ever in a FINAL!”
Highest individual scores in a World Cup final
170 — Alyssa Healy (AUS), 2022
149 — Adam Gilchrist (AUS), 2007
148* — Nat Sciver (ENG), 2022
140* — Ricky Ponting (AUS), 2003
138* — Viv Richards (WI), 1979
Healy was assisted by Rachael Haynes (68 off 93 balls) and Beth Mooney (62 off 47 balls), forming century partnerships with both left-handers.
The 32-year-old scored a staggering 45 runs from her last 19 deliveries before she was stumped off Anya Shrubsole’s bowling in the 46th over, walking off the ground to a standing ovation.
England somewhat redeemed itself by claiming a handful of late wickets, but the damage had well and truly been done.
Sciver was the only player to step up during the run chase, cracking an unbeaten 148 off 121 balls — none of her teammates reached 30.
The 29-year-old slapped 16 boundaries to send a scare through the Australian camp, but the match outcome never looked in doubt.
Australian tweakers Jess Jonassen and Alana King each snared three wickets, with seamer Megan Schutt removing both openers cheaply during the Powerplay.
The World Cup was officially back in Australia’s possession when Ash Gardner held onto a tough chance at mid-off to remove England No. 11 Shrubsole in the 44th over.
“That was pretty special from our group,” Healy said the triumph.
“It’s something that we’ve been working towards for a long period of time. Everyone’s been talking about it for a long period of time.
“So to finally get over the line was pretty cool.”
Meg Lanning’s side remained undefeated throughout the 50-over tournament, winning 40 if its 42 ODI matches since the shock World Cup semi-final exit in 2017.
Australia is now in possession of the Men’s T20 World Cup, the Women’s T20 World Cup, the Men’s Ashes, the Women’s Ashes and the Women’s World Cup.
“Today was just truly wonderful. For (Healy) to do what she did was just amazing to watch,” superstar all-rounder Ellyse Perry said after the victory.
“To finish the way we did today, from an Australian perspective, was just awesome.”
the greatest. i don't think there's another team this dominant in world sport at the moment https://t.co/p7GJooZuHI
— Sophie Welsh (@soph_welsh) April 3, 2022
Australia hold all the belts. The undisputed heavyweight champions.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) April 3, 2022
Since 2017 Aust have:
— Daniel Brettig ðŸ (@danbrettig) April 3, 2022
*Not lost a series to anyone
*Won two T20 World Cups
*Won a world record 26 ODIs in a row
*Now won ODI World Cup without dropping a game
Five years of dominance unrivalled in cricket history#CWC22
Former Australian batter Ed Cowan tweeted: “In awe of this @AusWomenCricket team. Now WC champions. Always play with a smile to add to their insane skill. Could not be prouder to support them.”
AAP’s Scott Bailey posted: “You will not see a more dominant four-and-half years of cricket from one team. Some 22 straight trophies in all series across all formats capped with a one-day World Cup win.”
Former England bowler and Fox Cricket commentator Isa Guha tweeted: “Massively feeling for Sciver but well deserved Australia. T20 and ODI World Cup winners — with 3 players missing we now start talking about them as the greatest of all time.”
Healy was anointed Player of the Tournament having scored 509 runs at 56.55 in nine knocks with a strike rate of 103.66.
Century for Sciver
Hats off the Nat Sciver, that was a superb knock.
The England vice-captain has brought up her fifth ODI century, reaching the milestone in 90 deliveries at Hagley Oval.
It’s just a shame that no top-order batters stuck around and formed a partnership with the 29-year-old.
Former England batter Ian Bell tweeted: “This is some innings from @natsciver.”
Soon after, Sciver and England No. 10 Charlie Dean brought up their 50-run partnership to keep the defending champions in with a sniff.
Superb innings from Nat Sciver … if only she’d found a partner or two
— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) April 3, 2022
McGrath strikes
All-rounder Tahlia McGrath has joined the party in Christchurch, removing Sophie Ecclestone for 3 in the 33rd over.
Ecclestone was trapped plumb in front LBW, and the on-field umpire did not hesitate as she raised the finger.
Nat Sciver, who is approaching triple figures, is running out of partners.
Soon after, Aussie spinner Jess Jonassen picked up her second wicket of the day, claiming a return catch off her own bowling to remove Kate Cross for 2.
Australia is two wickets away from reclaiming the World Cup.
King replicates Warnie
Shane Warne would be proud of that one.
Australian leg-spinner Alana King has bowled Sophia Dunkley around her legs for 23, leaving England five down in Christchurch.
Dunkley attempted to lap sweep the tweaker through fine leg, but instead heard the death rattle behind her.
Soon after, King got a delivery to turn past the outside edge of Katherine Brunt’s bat, with Alyssa Healy completing a classy stumping to leave England reeling at 6/191.
Beautifully bowled by Alana King! #CWC22#TeamAustraliapic.twitter.com/WjJwl0Ic8i
— Australian Women's Cricket Team ðŸ (@AusWomenCricket) April 3, 2022
Jonassen joins the party
Amy Jones’ cameo is over, with the experienced Jess Jonassen snaring a wicket in her second over of the day.
The England wicketkeeper tried to smack Jonassen towards the long-off boundary, but Alana King back-pedalled quickly and claimed the catch above her head.
Jones departs for a quick-fire 20, and Sophia Dunkley joins teammate Nat Sciver in the middle.
Soon after, Sciver brought up a classy half-century, reaching the milestone in 53 deliveries.
King gets the rival skipper
Australian leg-spinner Alana King thought she had snared the side’s third breakthrough of the day, only to be cruelly denied by Hawkeye technology.
King trapped Nat Sciver on the pads, with the on-field umpire raising the dreaded finger — but after calling for the review, replays showed the ball was narrowly missing leg stump.
However, the leggie didn’t have to wait long for another chance.
England captain Heather Knight gingerly returned the sheds after King struck her plumb in front, and there was no need to review this one.
Wicketkeeper Amy Jones is the new batter in the middle.
Schutt strikes early
Well, that didn’t take long.
England opener Danni Wyatt, who scored a century in the semi-final against South Africa, is making her way back to the pavilion after falling to Megan Schutt for 4.
Schutt got the ball to swing through the gate and crash into Wyatt’s leg stump, leaving England in early trouble at 1/12.
Soon after, the Australian seamer struck again by trapping Tammy Beaumont on the front pad in the seventh over. The England opener didn’t bother calling for a review.
Skipper Heather Knight and all-rounder Nat Sciver are the two new batters in the middle.
300 up for Aussies
Australia has reached 300 in Christchurch, with Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney absolutely obliterating England’s hapless bowlers.
Healy has become the first cricketer to score 500 runs in a Women’s World Cup tournament.
This is fun to watch from @ahealy77 - just dominating. Gold.
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) April 3, 2022
Another century partnership
Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney have combined for a century stand for the second wicket, reaching the milestone in just 81 deliveries.
This is also now the largest team total in a Women’s World Cup final — and there’s still eight overs remaining.
And things have gone from bad to worse for England, with Tammy Beaumont dropping Healy at short fine leg on 136.
The Australian wicketkeeper now has the highest individual score of the tournament, bettering Meg Lanning’s 135 not out against South Africa.
Soon after, Mooney brought up a half-century, her second of the tournament. And then, Healy became the first cricketer to score 150+ runs in any ICC event final.
This is becoming farcical.
Healy brings up historic century
Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy has become just the second cricketer to score a century in a Women’s World Cup final, joining the legendary Karen Rolton.
Healy reached triple figures in exactly 100 deliveries against England — it was her second century of the tournament and the fifth of her ODI career.
The cherry on top? Her husband Mitchell Starc was in the crowd to witness her incredible feat.
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell tweeted: “So bloody awesome! What a superstar.”
AAP’s Scott Bailey posted: “This knock from Healy is something ridiculously special.”
Soon after, Healy surpassed Rolton’s record for the largest individual score in a Women’s World Cup final.
HEALSO HUNDO 💯 no one does it better on the big stage #CWC22
— Sophie Welsh (@soph_welsh) April 3, 2022
Alyssa Healy has back to back hundreds in the semi and final of a World Cup. Stunning contribution at the pointy end #CWC22
— Daniel Brettig ðŸ (@danbrettig) April 3, 2022
Haynes departs after record stand
The partnership has finally been broken, with England spinner Sophie Ecclestone removing Australian vice-captain Rachael Haynes for 68.
The left-hander looked to punch Ecclestone over the off side, but sliced the shot to Tammy Beaumont, who pouched a simple catch at point.
Beth Mooney comes in at No. 3 after being promoted up the order.
Most runs for partnership in a Women’s World Cup tournament
671 — Rachael Haynes/Alyssa Healy (AUS), 2022
473 — Belinda Clark/Lisa Keightley (AUS), 2000
462 — Nicole/Bolton/Beth Mooney (AUS), 2017
428 — Enid Bakewell/Lynne Thomas (ENG), 1973
Aussies break more records
The opening stand between Alyssa Healy and Rachael Haynes has passed 150, making it the largest partnership in a Women’s World Cup final.
Healy has also become the first wicketkeeper to score 400 runs in a Women’s World Cup tournament.
Things are looking pretty grim for England at the moment.
England rue missed chances
Oh dear.
England has dropped two chances in quick succession as the opening partnership between Rachael Haynes and Alyssa Healy reaches triple figures.
Danni Wyatt put down a touch chance at point in the 21st over, gifting Haynes an extra life at the crease on 47, before teammate Nat Sciver dropped a simple catch at mid-wicket to give Healy a reprieve on 41 later in the same over.
Haynes brought up her half-century soon after, reaching the minor milestone in 69 deliveries.
Former England bowler and Fox Cricket presenter Isa Guha tweeted: “England’s nemesis ‘catching’ coming back to haunt them again.”
England have given a life to both openers now, as the century partnership comes up #CWC22pic.twitter.com/RUbkoDrUhN
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) April 3, 2022
Kate Cross creates the chances, and the affliction of dropped catches has come back to haunt England. Both openers should be gone #CWC22
— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) April 3, 2022
Haynes smashes all-time record
Australian vice-captain Rachael Haynes has broken the all-time record for most runs in a Women’s World Cup tournament.
The opener has accumulated 458 runs in the 50-over tournament, bettering the previous record set by New Zealand’s Debbie Hockley in the 1997 World Cup in India.
Lindsay Reeler held the previous record for an Australian cricketer, with 448 runs in the 1988 tournament.
Australia was 0/37 at the end of the Powerplay, with Haynes unbeaten on 19 and wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy 15 not out at the other end.
Most runs in a Women’s World Cup tournament
458 — Rachael Haynes (AUS), 2022
456 — Debbie Hockley (NZ), 1997
448 — Lindsay Reeler (AUS), 1988
446 — Debbie Hockley (NZ), 1988
445 — Belinda Clark (AUS), 1997
Take a bow Rach Haynes. Now holds record for most ever runs at a single women's World Cup, surpassing Debbie Hockley's 456 runs in 7 games for NZ in 1997 #CWC22
— Daniel Brettig ðŸ (@danbrettig) April 3, 2022
Australia rolls the dice on Ellyse Perry
Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry has been selected as a late inclusion for Australia — albeit as a specialist batter.
Perry has been missing from the unbeaten side after leaving the field with back spasms during Australia’s win against South Africa on March 22.
Captain Meg Lanning described Perry’s inclusion as a “big boost”.
“She’s a massive in for us,” she said after losing the coin toss
“She’s a world class player who plays well in big games. It certainly gives us a big boost.”
Lanning said on Saturday that Perry was a “pretty good” chance after impressing during a tough training session.
She goes into the final without testing how her back would hold up bowling and she has only been put through her paces in the nets.
Perry has put on 146 runs across her five innings so far this World Cup.
“She’ll probably play but won’t bowl,” Aussie cricket legend Mel Jones predicted ahead of the coin toss.
“She’s meticulous in everything she does with her training and workload so as soon as she felt those back spasms, she was probably just galvanising herself to the fact that she might miss a game or two, but that she’s basically had her eye on today.”
All-rounder Annabel Sutherland was the unlucky omission from the side.
What time is the World Cup final?
The Women’s World Cup final gets underway at 11am on Sunday morning (AEST).
How to watch the Women’s World Cup final
The only way to watch the final for free is to stream it via Kayo Freebies. It will also be broadcast on Fox Cricket (channel 501).
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