AUCKLAND — Alyssa Healy produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, blasting her second consecutive century of the tournament to propel Australia to a crushing 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh and officially secure their place in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup semi-finals.
Facing a modest target of 136 at the Basin Reserve, Healy was in imperious form from the outset, dismantling the Bangladeshi bowling attack with a stunning array of strokes. She remained unbeaten on 83 from just 77 balls, but her innings was part of a larger, record-breaking partnership that saw her reach a monumental personal milestone.
A Record-Breaking Opening Stand
Healy, alongside her prolific opening partner Rachael Haynes, chased down the target with contemptuous ease in just 21.2 overs without losing a single wicket. The pair's unbroken stand of 135 not only sealed the match but also etched their names into the history books, becoming the first opening pair in Women's ODI history to register four century partnerships in a single World Cup edition.
This victory was built on the foundation of Healy's remarkable form. Her innings against Bangladesh followed a dominant 129-ball 126 against West Indies just days prior, signaling a return to the devastating form that has made her one of the most feared batters in the world.
Speaking after the match, a jubilant Healy reflected on her performance and the team's clinical display: "It's nice to be contributing to wins. I said at the start of the tournament I'd trade all the runs for a World Cup win at the end of it, and that's still very much the case. It was a pretty polished performance today from the group."
Bowlers Set the Stage for Demolition
While Healy's blitz will dominate the headlines, the victory was set up by a disciplined and relentless bowling performance. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Bangladesh found themselves suffocated by the Australian attack, led superbly by spinner Jess Jonassen.
Jonassen, playing her first match of the tournament, was virtually unplayable, finishing with remarkable figures of 4 for 26 from her 10 overs. She expertly exploited the conditions, with her key contributions including:
- The crucial wicket of Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana for 24.
- A double-wicket maiden over that shattered the middle order's resistance.
- The vital scalp of Fargana Hoque, who top-scored for Bangladesh with 33.
She was ably supported by Alana King (2/23) and Megan Schutt (1/18), as the Bangladeshi batters struggled to build any meaningful momentum, eventually being bowled out for 135 in the 48th over. Only two players managed to pass 20, a testament to Australia's stranglehold on the game.
Healy and Haynes in Unbeatable Sync
The run-chase was a masterclass in controlled aggression. With such a low target, the only question was how quickly Australia would finish the job. Healy and Haynes provided a resounding answer. Haynes, playing the perfect foil, compiled a steady, unbeaten 47 from 73 balls, content to rotate the strike and watch her partner unleash from the other end.
Healy's century, her sixth in ODIs, was brought up in style, and the partnership's record-breaking nature underscored their importance at the top of the order. Their understanding and consistency have been a cornerstone of Australia's dominant campaign, providing a platform that has often rendered the powerful middle order almost redundant.
Australian captain Meg Lanning praised the opening duo and the team's all-round performance: "It was a really professional performance. The bowlers set it up and then Healy and Haynes at the top were brilliant. They've been doing it all tournament and to break a record is really special for them."
Semi-Final Secured, Momentum Built
This comprehensive win ensures Australia finishes the group stage at the top of the table, cementing their status as firm favourites to claim a seventh World Cup title. The victory extends their incredible winning streak in ODIs and sends a chilling warning to the other semi-finalists.
The team's balance was on full display. The return of Jonassen provided a new wicket-taking threat in the middle overs, while the top order continues to fire. The fact that star all-rounder Ellyse Perry wasn't even required to bowl highlights the depth and flexibility at Lanning's disposal as they head into the knockout stages.
For Bangladesh, the match was a harsh lesson in facing top-tier opposition. While they showed glimpses of fight with the ball, the total was always insufficient against an Australian batting line-up bursting with confidence. Their World Cup journey ends, but the experience against the world's best will be invaluable.
Looking Ahead to the Knockouts
With a semi-final spot secured, Australia can now prepare for the business end of the tournament with immense confidence. The form of Alyssa Healy is a particularly ominous sign for their rivals. When 'Healy the Keeper' transforms into 'Healy the Destructor' at the top of the order, Australia becomes an almost unstoppable force.
As the team awaits their semi-final opponent, the focus will be on maintaining this level of intensity. The bowling unit is clicking, the fielding remains sharp, and the batting, led by a record-breaking opening pair and a centurion in sublime touch, is a nightmare for any attack. The mission for Meg Lanning's squad is clear, and on this evidence, they are executing it with ruthless precision.
Healy herself summed up the team-first mentality that is driving this Australian juggernaut forward: "We're building really nicely. Everyone is contributing at different times, and that's what you need to win a World Cup."