Picture Credit: Instagram/@icc
Australia produced a brilliant performance to beat England by 71 runs in the final of ICC Womens World Cup 2022 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. As a result, Australia won a record-extending seventh Women's World Cup title. Australia didn't lose a single match throughout the campaign as they finished at the top of the group stage, registered a comprehensive victory in the semi-final against the West Indies, and emerged victorious in the final.
Aussie all-rounder Jess Jonassen completed a superb return catch as Kate Cross was caught and bowled for 2 at a crucial juncture of the game. During the 34th over of the game, spinner Jonassen produced a brilliant fielding effort to dismiss Cross for 2. Jonassen dived to her right and grabbed a stunning catch after Cross had played a straight shot in the air.
Watch the catch here:
Earlier, Alyssa Healy produced a scintillating innings in the final, smashing 170 rums off just 138 deliveries as Australia clinched a 71-run. Riding on Healy's masterclass, Australia posted a mammoth score of 356/5 in 50 overs. Healy, along with Rachael Haynes (68), put on a brilliant 160-run stand for the opening wicket. Healy smashed the English bowlers all around the park in a power-packed knock.
In response, England kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were bundled out for 285 in their 43.4 overs. However, there was a magnificent hundred from Natalie Sciver. She scored brilliant 148* runs from 121 balls including 15 fours and 1 six. The hundred was her 2nd in this tournament, with her first also coming against Australia earlier in the league stage match. Alana King and Jess Jonassen were the pick of the bowlers for Australia as the duo took 3 wickets each.