🔗 Share this article

It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.

In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her newest gem.

Then best known as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven world titles have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well 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 stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Some will argue the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, 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 was a challenging time because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there Healy was on her way.

"An opportunity to go out there and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

Once she was removed her side needed 66 more at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm happy we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

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

These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper.

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