🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the record chasers, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.

Finally, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

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

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship 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 come up short.

Whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the argument supporting final game tension. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged 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.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the batsman was on her way.

"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

By the time she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the belief to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."

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

Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she wished she had played through the pain.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as skipper.

Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.