🔗 Share this article

It's tough 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, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.

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

That it took up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.

In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

Initially recognized 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 from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the winning streak.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

Whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was far harder to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this performance was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from famous previous leader 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 every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the right-hander was underway.

"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

When she was out the team needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

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

These statements will be the last competing nations at this championship need to hear.

During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

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

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

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

Yet even as she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as skipper.

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