🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.

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

It needed up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

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

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her debut and seven global championships have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

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

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from there Healy was on her way.

"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

Once she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy.

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

That comment will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this championship should hear.

During the last week a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.

But while she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as leader.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.