Australia have won the Women's Cricket World Cup after Alyssa Healy hit a pivotal 170 during a 71-run triumph over defending champions England in Christchurch.
Having won the toss, England would have hoped to make early inroads, but they were repelled by a 160-run opening stand in 29 overs.
While Rachael Haynes (68) and Beth Mooney (62) put on valuable knocks, it was Healy who took centre stage, hitting a magnificent 26 boundaries from just 138 deliveries, ensuring that Australia set a record total of 356-5 in this fixture.
England did their utmost to stay with the run-rate but no player was able to provide lasting support to Nat Sciver, whose firepower and defiance kept Australia alert to defeat.
Sciver ultimately ran out of partners, ending the innings unbeaten on 148 from 121 deliveries after hitting 15 boundaries and a six, all which turned out to be in vain.
Still 70 runs short, England were all out for 285 with 38 balls remaining, and it left Australia to celebrate an historic seventh World Cup win.
Darren Plant
