🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Hundred Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

It needed as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batsmen to hold a record if never given the possibility.

Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to create her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

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

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

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, 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 training, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing at all," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

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

"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

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

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

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

That comment will be the last rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

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

However although she later admitted those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

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