🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have already been conquered.

We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batsmen to hold a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated.

Some will argue the argument supporting final game tension. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this performance was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in training, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was underway.

"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, sort of got me going," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was removed Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm pleased we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we are confident we can succeed."

These statements will be the last rival teams at this championship want to hear.

In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph following success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as leader.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.