🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

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

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

It needed until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batters to hold a record if never given the opportunity.

Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to create her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

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

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

If this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was much more difficult to predict.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the right-hander was underway.

"A chance to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

When she was out her side required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

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

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

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

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.

But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as skipper.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.