Alyssa Healy’s Unstoppable Century Fuels Australia’s Relentless World Cup Dominance

In the high-stakes arena of the 2025 Women`s World Cup, where champions are forged and legends cemented, the Australian squad continues to redefine what it means to be dominant. Their recent 10-wicket demolition of Bangladesh in Visakhapatnam was not merely a victory; it was a statement – a powerful declaration delivered with precision and flair, securing their semi-final berth with two league games still in hand. At the heart of this latest masterclass was none other than the formidable Alyssa Healy, whose second consecutive century left spectators, and frankly, her opponents, in a state of respectful awe.

The Valiant Effort: Bangladesh Sets a Target

Before the Australian juggernaut truly got underway, there was a match to be played, a target to be set. Bangladesh, opting to bat first, knew they faced a monumental task against the defending champions. Despite losing an early wicket, their innings wasn`t without moments of spirited resistance. Rubya Haider showcased glimpses of promise with a 59-ball 44, featuring eight boundaries – a testament to her intent, even if some of those found the ropes via the less conventional routes of streaky edges. Her partnership with Sharmin Akhter briefly offered a glimmer of hope, moving the score to a respectable 73 for 1.

However, the Australian spin trio of Ash Gardner, Alana King, and Georgia Wareham, often described as a cricketing surgeon`s precise instruments, quickly stemmed the flow. Each claiming a brace of wickets, they surgically dismantled the middle order. Alana King, with her deceptive drift and turn, proved particularly unplayable, making putting her away a daunting prospect.

Yet, the Bangladeshi spirit found a resolute champion in Sobhana Mostary. Watching wickets tumble around her, Mostary refused to yield. She launched a courageous counter-offensive, unleashing eight boundaries en route to an unbeaten 66 – a historic half-century, the first by a Bangladeshi woman against Australia. Aided by some rare Australian fielding lapses and a few errant deliveries, she admirably propelled her team to a fighting total of 198 for 9. A commendable effort, indeed, one that suggested a degree of competitive tension. Or so it seemed.

Healy and Litchfield: A Masterclass in Chase Management

With 199 runs required for victory, the stage was set for Australia`s reply. And what a reply it was. Alyssa Healy, fresh from her century heroics against India, and her opening partner Phoebe Litchfield, approached the chase not just with confidence, but with an almost surgical efficiency. What began with a measured accumulation of singles quickly escalated into a boundary-laden exhibition.

Healy, after a brief moment of settling in – a mere formality, it appears – unleashed her full repertoire. Fariha Trisna bore the brunt of her early assault in the fifth over, as three boundaries signalled the impending storm. The partnership flourished, bringing up a century stand in just 83 balls, each batter contributing to the accelerating pace. But it was Healy who truly took flight after registering her half-century. A dropped catch at short fine on 67 merely served to fuel her fire, prompting successive sweeps and slog-sweeps off Shorna Akter that thudded into the ropes.

Boundaries flowed with relentless regularity. Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, and Ritu Moni all experienced the formidable power of Healy`s blade. Meanwhile, Litchfield, initially playing a magnificent supporting role, completed the chase with two successive boundaries of her own, ensuring Australia reached their target of 202 without the loss of a single wicket, and with a staggering 25.1 overs to spare. It was less a chase, and more a leisurely stroll through a well-manicured park.

Australia`s Unyielding Grip on the World Cup Narrative

This comprehensive 10-wicket victory isn`t just another notch on Australia`s belt; it`s a testament to their unwavering dominance in women`s cricket. Booking a semi-final spot with such conviction, and so early in the tournament, speaks volumes about their preparation, depth, and sheer talent. While other teams battle for every point, Australia glides, seemingly effortlessly, towards the business end of the competition.

The performance of players like Alyssa Healy, who consistently deliver under pressure, highlights the formidable machine that is Australian women`s cricket. They possess not only individual brilliance but also a cohesive team structure that appears almost impenetrable. For emerging teams like Bangladesh, these encounters, though lopsided on the scorecard, offer invaluable experience against the very best – a brutal but perhaps necessary education on the path to becoming genuine contenders.

As the 2025 Women`s World Cup progresses, all eyes will remain fixed on the defending champions. With Alyssa Healy in such blistering form and the team operating with such clinical efficiency, the question isn`t whether they will reach the final, but rather, who, if anyone, possesses the arsenal to truly challenge their seemingly unassailable quest for another World Cup title. The tournament, it seems, is still very much Australia`s to lose.