Alyssa Healy hit the fastest half-century in women’s World Twenty20 tournament history, as she helped Australia make light work of Ireland in Guyana.

Healy was dominant throughout as she hit her 50 off 21 balls, before finishing unbeaten on 56 as Australia cruised to their target of 94 with nine wickets and 10.5 overs to spare.

Her 31-ball innings included nine boundaries and one massive six down the ground to bring up what was also the second-fastest half-century in a women’s T20 international.

Only Sophie Devive’s knock for New Zealand against India way back in 2005 was quicker in international T20s, coming off just 18 balls.

Healy’s innings was the Australian opener’s fifth half-century in her last seven T20 innings, while she also hit 48 from 29 balls against Pakistan in her first match of the tournament.

Opening partner Beth Mooney was the only Australian wicket to fall against Ireland for 14, while Ellyse Perry finished not out on nine.

Perry had earlier been Australia’s best with the ball, claiming 2-12 as the tournament favourites strangled the minnows in the first innings.

Offspinner Ash Gardner claimed one scalp, as she turned a ball from the rough well outside off stump to bowl Isobel Joyce.

Ireland were also controversially penalised five runs for Gaby Lewis and Laura Delany running down the centre of the wicket on consecutive balls as a crackdown continues in the tournament.

Adding insult to injury, Lewis was run out on the following ball by Georgia Wareham again attempting a quick single.

With pitches being used for more than one match, Pakistan were also penalised twice in their loss to India earlier.

It gifted India a 10-run advantage at the start of their innings, as they won with an over to spare to stay top of Group B with the Aussies.