Alyssa Healy broke the record of the highest individual score from a batter in a World Cup final, beating Adam Gilchrist’s 149. Her massive 170 runs saw Australia clinch their seventh ODI World Cup title. “Our team is set to win tournaments like these”, Alyssa Healy said, who was also the Player of the match.
Australia scored a mammoth total of 356 runs against England in the World Cup final on Sunday. Alyssa Healy broke several records while scoring her second consecutive century of the tournament. By doing so, she became the first-ever player, both man and woman, to score back-to-back centuries in the semi-final and the final in a World Cup.
In response, England stumbled in their chase with the Australian bowlers striking at regular intervals. Still, there were some hopes in the English camp, their standout performer in the final, Nat Sciver, was a lone fighter and was unbeaten in the end. She scored her highest score in international cricket with 148 not out, but it proved in vain.
Afterwards, Alyssa Healy said the performance from the Australian side was quite special. “This is something we have been working towards for a long period of time, so to finally get over the line was pretty cool”, she said. “Everyone has worked hard for this, and it has been a long five years wait. Full credit to the girls.”
“We don’t fear big stages.”
Also, Meg Lanning was impressed with the way her team has performed in this tournament. She mentioned that her side needed different players to step up and contribute to the side in this tournament which, according to her, was very competitive. “I am not surprised we have been consistent over a long period of time”, she said.
Two years ago, Australia defeated India in the final of the T20 World Cup. In that final, Alyssa Healy was the one who came to the fore and produced magnificent innings. Lanning praised Healy for her innings and stated that they deserved this win today. “Really impressive thing from our team is not to get scared or fear the big stages in big moments, we want to be part of it; that is what drives us.”
Lanning cherishes their success
Australia won all their matches in this edition of the World Cup and beat their record from 1997 when they lifted the trophy without dropping any points. They also hold the T20 World Cup and 50-over World Cup. She says that she is proud of how the youngsters have made an impact.
”Young players have come in and performed really well, making an impact straight away. That has been great to push the more experienced players to get better”, she said. ”We haven’t looked too far ahead. It’s important we look back at this period and how successful it has been as we have put a lot of hard work into it. It hasn’t been easy, there have been ups and downs.”
Photograph: ICC
Records broken by Alyssa Healy
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The first player to score back-to-back centuries in the semis and final of a World Cup
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Highest score in the World Cup final
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Most runs scored in a single edition of a World Cup, 509 runs
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The second player to score a century in the Women’s World Cup final
