Healy smashes record books in unbelievable knock

Alyssa Healy has rewritten the records books with one of the most remarkable innings in one-day history, smashing 170 against England in the World Cup final.

Healy's 138-ball knock was her second century in as many innings, following on from her 129 in the semi-final against West Indies.

The hard-hitting opener talked the talk pregame, declaring any chat about her being Katherine Brunt's bunny "junk", and then walked the walk, helping power Australia to a mammoth 5-356 after being sent in by England.

The right-hander was patient early against the moving ball from Brunt and new-ball partner Anya Shrubsole, then went on the attack when off-spinner Charlie Dean was introduced to the attack.

She was dropped on 41 when Natalie Sciver put down a simple chance at mid-wicket, and England dearly paid for the error.

Her fifty came off 62 balls, and her second half-century took just 38 deliveries before she removed her helmet and raised the bat in consecutive ODIs for the first time in her career.

Karen Rolton's record high score for a women's World Cup final, her 107 not out against India in 2005, was reeled in and still Healy's relentless attack continued.

Her opening partner Rachael Haynes had broken the record for most runs at a women's World Cup earlier in the innings, but her 497 was also left for dust as Healy raced past 500.

Dropped again on 136, Healy's 150 came off 129 deliveries, and despite struggling with what appeared to be a sore back, still she tormented England, treating Sophie Ecclestone with disdain as she whacked three consecutive boundaries off the tournament leading wicket taker.

Healy's onslaught finally ended in the 46th over when she was stumped off the bowling of Anya Shrubsole, ending an innings featuring 26 fours.

The large, mostly neutral crowd at Hagley Oval rose to their feet as the 32-year-old strode from the ground, having taken her run tally for the tournament to 509 – a remarkable finish after she had 210 runs to her name at the end of the round-robin phase.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington. Travelling reserves: Heather Graham, Georgia Redmayne

Australia's World Cup 2022 fixtures

Mar 5: Beat England by 12 runs

Mar 8: Beat Pakistan by seven wickets

Mar 13: Beat New Zealand by 141 runs

Mar 15: Beat West Indies by seven wickets

Mar 19: Beat India by six wickets

Mar 22: Beat South Africa by five wickets

Mar 25: Beat Bangladesh by five wickets

Semi-finals

Mar 30: Australia beat West Indies by 157 runs

Mar 31: England beat South Africa by 137 runs

Final

Apr 3: Australia v England, Hagley Park Christchurch, 11am AEST

All matches to be broadcast in Australia on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports