🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, 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 biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batters to hold a record if not provided the possibility.

Finally, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

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

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fail again.

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

Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it's been a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and after that the batsman was on her way.

"An opportunity to take the field and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

By the time she was dismissed her side required another 66 at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed."

That comment will be the last competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

During the last week a belief they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this victory succeeding win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she later said she wanted to have participated through the pain.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.