🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

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

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

It needed up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if never given the opportunity.

In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to create her newest gem.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this knock came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it has been a challenging time because I feel like my form was missing whatsoever," said Healy.

"But once you take the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you just lock into the match."

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing 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 inspiration.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there Healy was underway.

"An opportunity to play and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

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

By the time she was out her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to do that now," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if we do, we are confident we can achieve it."

These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this championship should hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of 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 despite the injury.

But while she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as captain.

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