🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the record chasers, are all that remain for a team that has won it all.

• Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.

In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

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

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

That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup 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 come up short.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort is debatable.

Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was much more difficult to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - 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, dismissed by the young fast bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was on her way.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

By the time she was dismissed the team required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if we do, we are confident we can achieve it."

That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper.

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