🔗 Share this article

It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have already been conquered.

This is the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a squad that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Ton Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

It needed as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the opportunity.

In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

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

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," 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 ensured her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was much more difficult to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this performance came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the match."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and after that the batsman was underway.

"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was dismissed Australia needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

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

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, should it happen, we believe we can achieve it."

That comment will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this tournament should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success following success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.

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