Healy hits century as Australia power into World Cup final

A double-century opening stand carried tournament favorite Australia to a commanding 157-run win over the West Indies on Wednesday and a place in the Women’s World Cup final.

Australia dominated their rain-shortened semi-final in Wellington from the outset, built around a 216-run stand, the highest of the tournament, between experienced openers Alyssa Healy and Rachael Haynes.

An imposing score of 305 for three off a reduced 45 overs was never threatened by the West Indies, who succumbed for 148 in the 37th over.

The six-time champions Australia are unbeaten in the 50-over tournament and will face either South Africa or 2017 winners England in the final in Christchurch on Sunday.

Play started nearly two hours late because of misty rain and Healy, in particular, struggled for timing in the early stages after Australia were sent in on a damp Basin Reserve pitch.

She accelerated as the sun came out, posting 129 off 107 balls to register a fourth one-day international century and fell four runs short of her career-best score.

The wicketkeeper-batter used her feet to excellent effect against the spin-based Caribbean attack, smashing 17 fours and a six.

She didn’t hit a boundary until the 12th over but said Haynes had reminded her to remain patient.

Haynes compiled 85 off 100 balls while the late runs came via unbeaten knocks from captain Meg Lanning (26) and Beth Mooney (43).

ARR