By Casey O'Connor
Any sports enthusiast who did not watch the Women’s ODI World Cup final on Sunday missed a something really special.
You could be forgiven for thinking that the Aussie team did it comfortably on the back of Alyssa Healy’s record-breaking innings of 170 off 138 balls.
In the end, I guess you have to say it was a comfortable win however Natalie Sciver kept the Poms in the hunt with a great innings of 148.
On any other occasion this would have been a score that would have got her team over the line. This time it was not to be, but it did provide this Aussie supporter and others with a few anxious moments.
Healy has certainly stamped herself as one of the best final players, male or female in the game.
Although she smacked the bowlers all around the ground it was a measured performance from Healy.
It took her 62 balls to score her first 50, her second coming in just 38.
It was a stunning batting performance from the opener on the back of her 129 against the West Indies in the semi-final.
The final was a different day, different ground, different opponent – even better result. Healy now has two Player-of-the-Final awards in as many world tournaments.
I can tell you it was a privilege to watch her live in the T20 World Cup final against India at the MCG.
Although Healy undoubtedly stole the limelight on Sunday, cricket is a team game and to win a World Cup you need an excellent team. The Australians are just that.
They went into the final with an enviable ODI record having have lost just two of their 41 ODI games since the disappointment of the 2017 ODI World Cup.
Brilliantly captain by Meg Lanning who has stamped herself of one the best leaders in the game it is not hard to see the reward for investment by Cricket Australia in the women’s game.
These players are highly skilled highly professional and entertaining and there is plenty of depth just waiting in the wings. The game was a cricket lovers delight, and it was great to see the passion and joy this group of players have for the game.
Meanwhile have Healy (aka Midge) and the Aussie team stepped up to take the place of Ash and the Barty Party as our Aussie heroes?
Casey
