Women’s World Cup: Healy Confident as Australia Faces Challenge, Unfazed by Harmanpreet’s 171

Visakhapatnam, Oct 12: Eight years after Harmanpreet Kaur’s unforgettable 171 not out against Australia in the 2017 Women’s World Cup semifinal at Derby, Australia’s wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy insists the historic knock no longer weighs on her team ahead of Sunday’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup clash against co-hosts India.

Healy, who witnessed the innings from behind the stumps, said the Australian side has moved on from that defeat and focused on learning and improving. “I’ve forgotten a lot about that game, but the footage keeps resurfacing on TV, so it brings back some memories,” she admitted at a pre-match press conference.

The Australian team has used that setback as a turning point. Healy credited it for prompting the team to rethink their approach, raise standards, and develop a more ruthless and dominant style. “For me personally, it was a chance to open the batting in the Ashes right after that World Cup, and I’ve been there since. It was a turning point, not just for me but for the team,” she added.

Despite a loss in the pre-World Cup bilateral series against India and two early collapses in the tournament, Healy maintained that her side does not feel under pressure. “We’re allowed to lose games. Pressure is part of cricket, especially in World Cups. I trust our squad depth and the ability of the 11 we field to get the job done,” she said.

Healy also downplayed India’s home advantage, noting that the team has had time to assess conditions and is ready for the challenge. “Absolutely no extra pressure on our team. We’ve come here to do a job. The sold-out stadium will be a fun experience, and hopefully, some Aussie fans are in the crowd,” she said.

As Australia prepares to face India at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Healy’s focus remains on seizing the opportunity, adapting quickly to conditions, and maintaining Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket.