🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

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

The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Helps Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if never given the possibility.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to create her newest gem.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

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

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

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over 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 fail again.

If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort can be debated.

Certain people claim the argument supporting 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 hundred was far harder to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

"But once you take the field, your fighting spirit activate and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

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

"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

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

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

In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.

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

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she later said she regretted not playing despite the injury.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as skipper.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.