Alyssa Healy’s record-breaking century set up a 71-run victory for Australia over England in the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup.The wicketkeeper hit the highest ever individual score in a one day international World Cup final.After hitting 170 from 138 deliveries, Healy overtook the record set by compatriot Adam Gilchrist, who managed 149 against Sri Lanka in 2007.She also broke Debbie Hockley’s 25-year-old record for the most runs scored in a single women’s World Cup, racking up 509.Hockley's record of 456 runs was also surpassed by Rachael Haynes, who finished the tournament with 497.Healy also became the first cricketer – man or woman – to achieve back-to-back centuries in World Cup knockout matches, having scored a ton against the West Indies in the semi-finals.The 32-year-old’s masterclass helped Australia to a comprehensive win over defending champions England at a packed Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Australia now have the 50-over crown to add to their T20 World Cup and Ashes titles.

"I'm really pleased with that. This tournament has been a long time coming - it has been in the back of our minds and there are no doubts we wanted this trophy in our cabinet,” Australia captain Meg Lanning told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It has been an amazing effort over a number of years and to finish it off like this is amazing."

England mounted a remarkable turnaround to reach the final, having lost their three opening matches of the tournament.

They were then just one wicket from a loss against New Zealand, which would have seen them knocked out.

England managed to get past the White Ferns, however, and win five matches in a row on their way to the final.

Despite going into the clash with Australia as defending champions, England were considered the underdogs. This turned out to be an accurate appraisal.

“I’m super proud of the group, how we managed to turn things around, the players and the staff as well, but unfortunately it was one win too many for us,” said England captain Heather Knight.