🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

That it took until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Certain people claim the argument supporting final game tension. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the match."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the batsman was in motion.

"An opportunity to go out there and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

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

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm pleased we have the confidence to do that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can succeed."

Those words will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.

During the last week a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played despite the injury.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.