🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have already been conquered.

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

The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.

Ultimately, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her most recent brilliance.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "motivated 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 final and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

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

Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a challenging time because I feel like I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive nature activate and you just lock into the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

By the time she was out her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the confidence to accomplish that now," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we are confident we can succeed."

These statements will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.

In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph following victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as leader.

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