Alyssa Healy, the captain of Australia, laid to rest a painful memory from the recent Women’s World Cup held in India, showcasing her experience and skill during the 2025 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
While representing the Sydney Sixers Women, Healy executed a calm catch off a top-edge delivery, aiding Lauren Cheatle in dismissing Lizelle Lee during their match against the Hobart Hurricanes at North Sydney Oval on Thursday, November 13. In the 12th over of the Hurricanes’ innings, Lee attempted to clear the boundary off Cheatle’s bowling but ended up sending the ball directly into Healy’s gloves. With unwavering focus, strong grip, and flawless execution, Healy secured the catch.
This moment was particularly significant as it recalled a nearly identical incident from the World Cup semi-final against India at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Just two weeks prior, Healy had missed a catch when Jemimah Rodrigues was on 82, with Alana King bowling. Rodrigues took advantage of that mistake, finishing with an unbeaten 127 and leading India to a historic five-wicket victory, thus ending Australia’s impressive 16-match winning streak in the World Cup.
Upon catching Lee’s ball, Healy’s expression conveyed it all: it seemed as though she was reflecting on the missed catch in the World Cup semi-final that could have propelled Australia into the finals for a chance at their eighth World Cup trophy. On this WBBL night, she immediately recognized the significance of the moment. Her eyebrows raised, a smile of relief spread across her face, and she tossed the ball away before being enveloped by her teammates in celebration. It was evident that she had moved on from the semi-final blunder.
In addition to her catching heroics, Healy performed well with the bat, scoring 37 runs off 26 deliveries, which included six boundaries, while batting at the No. 3 position. She played a crucial role in setting the stage for the Sixers, who finished their innings at 152 for nine in 20 overs. Nonetheless, her contributions were overshadowed as the Hurricanes successfully chased down the target with 19 balls remaining, securing a victory by six wickets.