🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

This is the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has won it all.

• Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.

Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given a platform to create her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not come up short.

If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was much more difficult to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the right-hander was on her way.

"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

When she was removed her side required another 66 at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

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

These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this championship should hear.

In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.

So great is her will, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury.

But while she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have delayed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.