🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

This is the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

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

In the end, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fail again.

Whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Some will argue the reasoning behind final game tension. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings was preceded by six games 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 appeared I lacked timing completely," said Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit take over and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was underway.

"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was removed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to do that now," stated Healy further.

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

That comment will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.

During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury.

Yet even as she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as leader.

Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.