🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have already been conquered.

This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if not provided the chance.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her most recent brilliance.

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

A T20 championship victory came three months after her debut and seven global championships have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss 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 title decider and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the competition."

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

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there Healy was underway.

"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

By the time she was removed her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," added Healy.

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

These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this tournament need to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has become more firm - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they exited the previous 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 led her country for the first time at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.