🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

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

• Healy's Ton Helps Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this hundred was far harder to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this knock followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," stated Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit kick in and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's competitiveness has always been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was in motion.

"An opportunity to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, sort of got me going," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

By the time she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we know we can do it."

These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this championship want to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this triumph following win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.

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

It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback 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 wanted to have participated through the pain.

But while she later admitted those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.

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