🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

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

The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Century Helps Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the possibility.

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fail again.

If this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance 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 training, it has been a challenging time because I feel like I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts activate and you just lock into the competition."

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

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was underway.

"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was dismissed her side required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

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

Those words will be the last competing nations at this championship should hear.

During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph following success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.

But while she later admitted those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.