🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

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

• Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

That it took up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if never given the opportunity.

In the end, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

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

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

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

At the subsequent ODI 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.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort is debatable.

Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit kick in and you just lock into the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - 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, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

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

"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

By the time she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the assurance to do that now," continued Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, should it happen, we believe we can succeed."

That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear.

During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success coming after win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.