🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.

• Healy's Century Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their batsmen to hold a record if not provided the opportunity.

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

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.

Whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this hundred was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it's been a challenging time because I feel like my form was missing at all," commented Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive nature activate and you simply focus on the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and after that the batsman was in motion.

"The possibility to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was out the team needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, should it happen, we believe we can achieve it."

Those words will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.

During the last week a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played through the pain.

But while she later admitted those injuries have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.

Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.