🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.

Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Then best known as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her bow and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

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

That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

Whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was far harder to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it's been a disappointing period because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and after that the batsman was on her way.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

By the time she was out the team required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we believe we can do it."

That comment will be the final thing competing nations at this World Cup should hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

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 ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

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

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.