🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

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

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

• Healy's Ton Helps Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.

In the end, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to produce her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable.

Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it's been a challenging time because I feel like I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the match."

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

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from that point Healy was on her way.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

By the time she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if necessary, we are confident we can do it."

Those words will be the last rival teams at this championship need to hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this victory succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.

But while she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.