🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

The fact it required until 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 women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.

Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader 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 debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was far harder to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while 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 failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in training, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there Healy was on her way.

"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

By the time she was out Australia required another 66 at run per delivery - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

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

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

That comment will be the final thing competing nations at this World Cup need to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.