🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

This is the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.

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

Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort can be debated.

Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a disappointing period because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature activate and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the batsman was underway.

"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was out the team required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can do it."

Those words will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this tournament should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as captain.

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