🔗 Share this article

It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The top summits have long been mastered.

We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are all that remain for a team that has won it all.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

It needed until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to create her newest gem.

Then best known as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her bow and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was far harder to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing at all," commented Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point the right-hander was on her way.

"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was dismissed the team needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can do it."

These statements will be the final thing competing nations at this championship need to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.