🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a team that has won it all.

• Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success.

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

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

Whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was far harder to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in training, it has been a challenging time because it seemed I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that the batsman was underway.

"An opportunity to take the field and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," stated Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was removed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

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

That comment will be the last competing nations at this World Cup want to hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this success coming after win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wished she had played with the discomfort.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.