Thunderous century from Alyssa Healy brings up record victory

A brutal unbeaten century from opener Alyssa Healy has guided Australia into the record books, with victory over Sri Lanka in Brisbane their 18th consecutive win in one-day internationals.

The streak breaks the mark of 17 set by Belinda Clark's squad from 1997 to 1999. Number 18 for the current side was never in doubt as Healy and fellow opener Rachael Haynes made short work of the run chase at Allan Border Field.

Alyssa Healy charges to her century yesterday.Credit:AAP

Sri Lanka elected to bat but their total of 196 was at least 100 short of the mark against an Australian line-up blessed with a destructive top order. Haynes, a centurion from Monday's clash, produced again with 63 but the day belonged to her opening partner Healy.

The right-hander was on her game from the minute she strolled to the crease. Her third ODI century, her first on home soil, arrived in 76 deliveries and included 15 boundaries and two sixes, one of which was the match winner over the long-on fence.

Meg Lanning was also still out there on 20 as Healy's 112 not out powered Australia to a nine-wicket victory in 26.5 overs.

The brilliant Chamari Atapattu was the main resistance for Sri Lanka. She made 103, her fifth ODI century, and she remains the only Sri Lankan woman to reach triple figures in either 50-over or 20-over cricket.

Rachael Haynes smashed 63 off 74 balls against Sri Lanka.Credit:Getty

Now the question is how far can Australia go without a blemish? The world record for ODI wins is held by the Australian men's team, which won 21 consecutive matches from January 1, 2003 to  May 24, 2003. That streak began win a seven-run win over England in Hobart. The last was a 67-run victory over the West Indies in Port of Spain.

The next chance to extend the ledger won't come until March next year, when the women's side plays three ODIs on a tour of South Africa. Another clean sweep would equal the men's mark and, given the talent in the squad, it would be brave to suggest their dominance would end there.

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