🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.

• Healy's Century Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & 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, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the opportunity.

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

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

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

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

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

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because I feel like my form was missing at all," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the batsman was in motion.

"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the confidence to accomplish that now," added Healy.

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

That comment will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this championship need to hear.

During the last week a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have delayed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.

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