Christchurch: It was a dream finale for Australia wicket-keeper batter Alyssa Healy. A sensational 170 from the 32-year-old Healy powered Australia women to a 71-run win against England and a historic seventh World Cup title.
Healy, who was adjudged both the Player of the Match & the Tournament, termed the entire effort “pretty special” from the group.
“Our team sets out to win events like these and everyone is sort of keen to get out there and do just that, grateful for the opportunity. You probably couldn’t have asked for anything more,” said Healy after receiving the award.
When it mattered the most, the Australian batting unit fired on all cylinders as they amassed 356/5 in 50 overs in the final. Healy said she was “proud of the batting unit.”
“We have done some amazing things this whole tournament, so to be able to do it one more time on the biggest stage was impressive. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I’d do something like that so it is pretty cool.
“We knew the first 10 overs were going to be the most challenging part of the game and we got two world-class bowlers swinging the ball. We just knew we had to hold our nerve. I enjoy batting with Rach and it’s what we set out to do and we tick that box. I don’t think I should receive this award, I only turned up for the last couple of games,” added Healy.
She further lauded the bowlers for their effort in the second half of the contest to bowl England out for 285 in 43.4 overs.
“The job was halfway done. We knew their line-up and they were peaking at the right time and you never know what’s going to happen. It was a very professional chat during the innings break.
“Credit to the bowlers, they held their nerves, Sciver (148 n.o) played a special inning and could have gotten them over the line. Full credit to the girls and we will sit back and analyse what an amazing three months it has been,” she added.
