🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a squad that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batters to maintain a record if never given the possibility.

Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to create her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was considerably tougher to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because I feel like my form was missing at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was in motion.

"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was removed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to do that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."

These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.

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

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she later admitted those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper.

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