Healy looking to peak in dream final

After a slow start to the World T20, Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars opener Alyssa Healy feels her batting has finally clicked.

Now, she has her sights set on achieving a childhood dream – a big innings on the biggest stage at Eden Gardens in Sunday's World T20 final against the West Indies.

Healy joined Elyse Villani in a 41-run opening stand against England that got Australia off to a rapid start in their semi-final, scoring 25 from 15 deliveries.

The 26-year-old's semi-final innings was her best knock of the tournament, after scores of 5, 2, 12 and 6 in the round matches.

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"I think it’s nice to contribute, finally, on my behalf," Healy said.

"(Villani) has been going unbelievably well throughout this whole tournament so to be at the other end and support her and then obviously middle a couple myself was nice to finally come off, especially in a big game. 

"So fingers crossed on Sunday we can do the same thing."

The chance to play at Eden Gardens for the first time is particularly exciting for Healy, who said she's dreamed of playing at the venue since she was young.

"It's one of those bucket list grounds for a cricketer, I think," she said.

"Every big game in India is played at Eden Gardens. 

"So to be able to come here and play in a World Cup final is obviously really special and fingers crossed we can pack it out."

Australia had been experimenting with a variety of opening combinations in the lead-up to the tournament with Healy, Villani, Meg Lanning, Grace Harris and Beth Mooney all trialled at the top, before deciding on Healy and Villani for the warm-up match against the Windies in Chennai.

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They shared a 71-run first-wicket partnership in that match and while the Southern Stars suffered top-order collapses in their group matches against South Africa and New Zealand, the opening pair have since looked comfortable and confident, handing Australia strong starts in their past three matches.

"We had a pretty good start against the West Indies in the warm-up game," Healy said.

"I know it’s a warm-up game, but we started really well there so hopefully we can do that on Sunday."

Having the patience to adjust to the conditions before attacking during the Power Play overs has been the key their success and Healy said the pair would continue to curb their natural instincts for big, lofted shots early in the first few overs.

"It seems like it’s really short and sharp but you’ve actually got more time than you think," she said.

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"With the new ball, it’s the best time to bat so if you’re able to give yourself that opportunity to get in and then cash in in the back end of that first six, we will have put our team in good stead.

"If we’re 0 or 1 for 40 after that first six we’re in a really good position to put a really good score on the board so that’s our job at the top."