🔗 Share this article

It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if never given the opportunity.

In the end, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to create her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

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

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fail again.

Whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Some will argue the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings 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 was a frustrating experience because it seemed my form was missing completely," commented Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

A single came off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was in motion.

"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was removed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."

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

During the last week a belief they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wished she had played through the pain.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as leader.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.