🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batters to hold a record if not provided the possibility.

Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance to create her newest gem.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fail again.

If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this knock was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in training, it was a challenging time because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive nature activate and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the opening delivery and from there Healy was in motion.

"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

By the time she was out the team needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."

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

During the last week a feeling they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

But while she later admitted those fitness problems have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

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