Healy, Haynes power Australia into final

Wellington: A brilliant 216-run opening-wicket partnership between Alyssa Healy (129 from 107 balls) and Rachael Haynes (85 from 100) helped Australia book their place in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final with a dominant 157-run victory over the West Indies at Basin Reserve here on Wednesday.

Thanks to Healy and Haynes' stand, the six-time World Cup winners scored a mammoth 305/3 in their rain-reduced match before bundling out the Stafanie Taylor-led West Indies for 148 in 37 overs to win the contest by 157 runs.

While Healy and Haynes were the star performers in the 45-overs-a-side affair, they received plenty of support from their teammates as a disciplined performance in the field and clinical effort with the ball ensured Australia's spot in the final. The Meg Lanning-led side will meet the winner of the second semifinal between England and South Africa on Sunday.

Experienced spinner Jess Jonassen (2/14) claimed two wickets and five others picked up one scalp each, while Beth Mooney came up with another superb catch to go with her unbeaten 43 with the bat.

West Indies skipper Taylor (48) played a lone hand in the run chase while Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews managed 34 runs each at the top of the order, but they received little support with two batters unable to take the crease as Australia romped to a big win.

Earlier, Healy and Haynes looked in sublime form, scoring with ease as Australia amassed 305 after being sent in to bat first. It was a scintillating partnership from Healy and Haynes, as the duo feasted on some poor West Indies bowling and an even lacklustre fielding to put on the third highest opening stand in Australia's Women's One-day International history.

Brief scores: Australia 305/3 in 45 overs (Rachael Haynes 85, Alyssa Healy 129, Meg Lanning 26 not out, Beth Mooney 43 not out; Chinelle Henry 2/51) beat West Indies 148 in 37 overs (Deandra Dottin 34, Hayley Matthews 34, Stafanie Taylor 48; Jess Jonassen 2/14) by 157 runs.

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