🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has won it all.

• Healy's Hundred Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

It needed as late as Sunday's success 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 testament to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batters to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to create her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of celebrated previous 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 witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

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

Whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings 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 frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.

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

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the right-hander was on her way.

"The possibility to take the field and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

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

By the time she was removed the team needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

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

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we are confident we can succeed."

These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament need to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wished she had played despite the injury.

But while she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.