Australia had an evening to remember on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as they went on to lift the T20 World Cup for the record fifth-time crushing India by 85 runs in the final.
While openers Alyssa Healy (75) and Beth Mooney (78 not out) laid the foundation of Australia’s mammoth 184/4, fast bowler Megan Schutt scalped 4 wickets to equal the record of most wickets taken in a single Women’s T20 World Cup. Schutt now jointly holds the record with England pacer Anya Shrubsole, who had claimed 13 wickets during the 2014 edition.
After the win, the Player of Tournament in the previous World Cup – Alyssa Healy – was adjudged the Player of the Match for her stunning assault on Sunday. On her part, Healy couldn’t hide her smiles post the remarkable victory.
Alyssa’s husband Mitchell Starc was also present at the venue to cheer for his wife.
Couple goals 🥰#MitchellStarc #AlyssaHealy #INDvAUS#T20WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/YVOSxvSiAN
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“It’s amazing to have them (friends and family) all here today,” Healy said after her scintillating knock.
“To be able to go over and wave at them before the game today to say ‘hi and thanks for coming’ was really epic. I’m glad they get to share this journey with me.”
Healy also went on to reveal how her penchant for comic books provided a unique way for the Aussies to handle the immense pressure of a home T20 World Cup.
“For every big series or tournament, we have a refocus about what’s important to our group,” Healy explained after Australia’s emphatic win in front of 86,174 spectators at the MCG.
“We knew that every single opposition was going to come really, really hard at us in every game, and it was about how we could absorb that pressure and throw it back in their face.
“Me being the nerdy person in the team, I really referred to the Black Panther in the movie where his suit really absorbs the energy from his opponents, and when he’s ready, he forces it back upon them.
“We took that mentality into this tournament.
“Everyone came really hard at us early on, and we held our nerve … and we got the job done when needed.
“We’re all Black Panthers out there,” added Healy.
