🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.

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

It needed as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the opportunity.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted 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 run of success.

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

If this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because it appeared I've had no rhythm completely," commented Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit kick in and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point Healy was in motion.

"An opportunity to go out there and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was dismissed her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the confidence to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."

Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this championship should hear.

During the last week a sense they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.

Yet even as she later admitted those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.

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