🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have already been conquered.

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

The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

The fact it required up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It is hard for their batters to hold a record if never given the chance.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to produce her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her bow and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not come up short.

If this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in training, it was a challenging time because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," commented Healy.

"However when you take the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the match."

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

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

A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was underway.

"The possibility to play and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

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

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," continued Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can succeed."

That comment will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this championship want to hear.

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

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

Yet even as she afterwards confessed those injuries have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as skipper.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.