🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.

• Healy's Ton Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

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

In the end, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to produce her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "drove 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 come up short.

Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable.

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

What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it has been a challenging time because it appeared my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has always been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from that point Healy was underway.

"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was removed the team required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."

These statements will be the final thing competing nations at this tournament need to hear.

During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she later said she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as captain.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.