🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country failed to win 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 bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

If this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this performance was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing at all," said Healy.

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

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was in motion.

"An opportunity to take the field and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

Once she was removed her side required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the confidence to do that now," stated Healy further.

"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can do it."

That comment will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this tournament want to hear.

In recent days a sense they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.

Yet even as she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.