🔗 Share this article

It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Helps Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the opportunity.

In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a challenging time because it appeared my form was missing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from that point Healy was in motion.

"A chance to go out there and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun that way, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was removed the team needed 66 more at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can succeed."

These statements will be the last rival teams at this tournament should hear.

In recent days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was at that stage they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

Yet even as she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.