🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has won it all.

• Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

That it took until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batsmen to possess a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance to create her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece 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 championship-filled years since.

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

The determined wicketkeeper 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 said this week.

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

Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable.

Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this knock was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from there the batsman was in motion.

"An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

Once she was removed the team needed 66 more at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm happy we have the belief to accomplish that now," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we believe we can do it."

These statements will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this championship want to hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals 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 last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.

However although she later admitted those injuries have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.

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