🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Century Helps Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

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

Ultimately, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

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

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort can be debated.

Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was far harder to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing completely," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was in motion.

"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

When she was removed her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

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

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

Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this World Cup should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.

But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.