157-run hiding: Healy’s masterclass vaults Australia into Cup final

What could possibly be more fitting for Australia’s march to a first ODI World Cup final since 2013 than to get there through a flourishing century by Alyssa Healy?

It was Healy’s shuffle from No. 7 to the top of the order that first signalled Australia’s intent to change their ways after semi-final elimination in the 2017 tournament.

And while Healy had sparkled at the MCG in front of a mighty crowd in the 2020 T20 World Cup final, this was undoubtedly the more complete performance, setting up a 157-run hiding of the West Indies in Wellington.

Alyssa Healy’s 129 was a fitting way for Australia to progress to a first ODI World Cup final since 2013.Credit:AP

Combining artfully with the vice-captain Rachael Haynes (85) for a stand of 216, Healy’s 129 from 107 balls pushed West Indies into a corner from which there was never much hope of escape.

“The group’s been so amazing, every one in that top six has contributed,” Healy said afterwards. “It’s just about patience, one day cricket is a bit of a patience game, you’ve got to ride the ebbs and flows. Batting with someone like Rach, that level head, calm nature about her keeps you in the moment.

“We wanted to be there at Hagley Oval on the third [of April], it’s been at the forefront of our minds and today is another stepping stone. We’ll sit back and watch tomorrow, watch who were going to be up against, and prepare well.”

On a cool, damp and misty morning, the game had been reduced to 45 overs a side due to early rain. When Stafanie Taylor won the toss for West Indies, she had no hesitation sending the Australians in on the same ground where they had stuttered against Bangladesh last week.

The new ball did plenty, both vertically and laterally. More than once, Haynes was struck on the splice and gloves by deliveries that reared dangerously; Healy was also beaten on the outside edge when the ball seamed expansively.

Slowly, though, they calmed proceedings and then began to accelerate. From 0-51 after 13 overs, Healy and Haynes poured on 165 runs in the next 118 balls. Save for the off-breaks of Hayley Matthews, the West Indian change bowling was exploited mercilessly.

When Healy departed for 129, earning a standing ovation from all present at the Basin Reserve, it began the loss of 3-20. Far from weakening Australia’s position, this reinforced the fact this was far from a roadworthy surface.

Captain Meg Lanning and Beth Mooney regathered themselves to put on an unbeaten 69 in the closing nine overs, lifting Australia to their 10th highest ODI total of all time – no mean feat from a reduced complement of overs.

To be a chance, West Indies had to catch fire inside their first 25 overs. Instead it was Mooney who drew gasps from spectators when she flung out her right hand to catch Rashada Williams at square leg off Megan Schutt.

Tahlia McGrath, who has been pushing through a bruised heel, claimed the vital wicket of Deandra Dottin before the 10 overs were out. Taylor and Matthews did their best to build a platform, but the rising run rate inevitably drew mistakes, wickets and Australia’s progression to the final.

Schutt (1-8), McGrath (1-17), Annabel Sutherland (1-26), Jess Jonassen (2-14), Ash Gardner (1-26) and Alana King (1-19) all put in admirable shifts with the ball, as the Wellington sun stayed out long enough to eradicate any risk of bad light curtailing play at a ground without floodlights.

“I’ve been involved in some very stressful semi-finals in the past,” Lanning said at the presentation. “It wasn’t as easy as what it looked, it was nice to get the result, but we worked hard for it.

“We felt that first hour was really important. It can be tricky early, so the way Healy and Haynes batted up top was excellent. They showed some really good discipline, left the good balls and punished the bad ones. That set us up really nicely.

“It was certainly close [to the perfect game]. I think we can be really satisfied with today’s performance in a big game, up against a very dangerous team. The batters set it up really nicely and then we were very disciplined with the ball. We’ll enjoy the win, but we certainly came here to win the tournament and that’s what we’re looking for.”

All that remains now is to discover whether Ellyse Perry can regain enough freedom of movement after back spasms to regain her place in the side. England and South Africa playoff on Thursday for the right to meet Australia on Sunday.

As much as Healy has dominated Australia’s past two major finals, the absence of Perry would feel like something of an injustice.

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