🔗 Share this article

It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if never given the possibility.

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a platform to create her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

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 final and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

Whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was considerably tougher to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a frustrating experience because it seemed my form was missing completely," stated Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

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

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

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

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

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

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.

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