NEWS
Follow UsAustralian keeper-batter Alyssa Healy was over the moon following her 170 in the 2022 World Cup final against England which laid the foundation for Australia's seventh title win on Sunday.
Healy surpassed Ricky Ponting's 140 not out in 2003 World Cup final and Adam Gilchrist's 149 in 2007 final for the highest individual score in World Cup finals.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever thought I'd do something like that so it is pretty cool," the opener said after the final win.
"I'm 32 and I've seen it all. 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," she added.
Healy was also the top-scorer for Australia in their previous title win against India when she scored 75 off 39 balls in the 2020 T20 World Cup final.
"You probably couldn't have asked for anything more. 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," she said.
Healy also lauded her opening partner Rachael Haynes, who scored 68, as the pair put up 160 for the first wicket in the final to set up a target of 357. Except for Natalie Sciver's fighting 148 not out off 128 balls, England batters were unable to put up a fight as they dismissed for 285, handing Australia a 71-run victory.
"I enjoy batting with Rach [Rachael Haynes] and it's what we set out to do and we ticked that box," Healy said.
Healy also praised pacer Darcie Brown and Megan Schutt, who got the wickets of England openers Tammy Beaumont and Dani Wyatt.
" We knew the first 10 overs was going to be the most challenging part of the game and we got two world class bowlers swinging the ball," the explosive right-hander said.
Australia captain Meg Lanning hailed the team's consistency over an extended period. Her team have only lost one ODI since March, 2018 and decimated opponents on their way to the title.
"We have been extremely consistent over a long period of time and to come out and perform so well throughout the tournament, I think we deserve the win tonight," Lanning, who lifted the coveted trophy in her 100th ODI, said.
"We knew we had to have a number of people contributing which we had throughout the tournament, we had some young players come in and make an impact straightaway which is great for the team and great for the more experienced players to keep pushing them to get better," she added.
Lanning also thanked the support staff for their support off the field.
"Off the field we had great support from the coaching staff and support staff to get us to this point," she said.
