🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.

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

It needed until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It's difficult for their batters to hold a record if not afforded the opportunity.

In the end, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her newest gem.

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

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the case for final game tension. 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 hundred was far harder to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this performance was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it has been a challenging time because it seemed my form was missing completely," commented Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single came off the opening delivery and from that point the batsman was in motion.

"A chance to go out there 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 fastest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

By the time she was out the team needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."

These statements will be the last competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed consideration of ending her career, this championship is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as skipper.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.