🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

It needed up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It's difficult for their batsmen to maintain a record if not afforded the opportunity.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to produce her newest gem.

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 held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the winning streak.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

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

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

Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's clear is this hundred was much more difficult to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in training, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.

"However when you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the right-hander was on her way.

"An opportunity to go out there and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was dismissed Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," added Healy.

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

These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this championship need to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at an important competition.

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

But while she later admitted those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as skipper.

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