🔗 Share this article

It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything.

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

The fact it required as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It's challenging for their hitters to maintain a record if never given the opportunity.

In the end, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that the right-hander was underway.

"An opportunity to take the field and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, sort of got me going," stated Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was dismissed Australia needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground 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 we do, we believe we can do it."

Those words will be the last Australia's opponents at this championship want to hear.

In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a major tournament.

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

However although she later admitted those fitness problems have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.

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