🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the unit that has won 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 peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has achieved everything.

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

It needed until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batters to hold a record if not afforded the opportunity.

Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.

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

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point the batsman was on her way.

"A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was out the team required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we believe we can do it."

That comment will be the last competing nations at this championship should hear.

In recent days a sense they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this triumph following win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one point.

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

It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a significant event.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.