🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has achieved everything.

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

The fact it required up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their batters to maintain a record if not afforded the opportunity.

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

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts activate and you just lock into the match."

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from there the batsman was on her way.

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

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

Once she was removed Australia needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."

Those words will be the last competing nations at this tournament should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this triumph succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

During that phase they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a major tournament.

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

However although she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as skipper.

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