🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the possibility.

Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to produce her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

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

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

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

Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. 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 century was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in training, it has been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and after that Healy was underway.

"The possibility to take the field and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was removed Australia required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.

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

Those words will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this championship want to hear.

In recent days a belief they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this triumph following victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated through the pain.

But while she later admitted those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.