🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and once went nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

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

• Healy's Century Assists Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

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

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if not provided the opportunity.

In the end, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a chance to create her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her bow and seven global championships have come from 10 attempts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

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

Whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a challenging time because it seemed my form was missing whatsoever," said Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the competition."

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

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

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

"A chance to take the field and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was out the team needed 66 more at one run per ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we are confident we can do it."

These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this tournament want to hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have postponed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.