🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to break new ground.

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the squad 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 secondary achievements, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if never given the possibility.

Finally, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to create her newest gem.

Then best known as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

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

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this hundred was far harder to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this knock followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there Healy was underway.

"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, sort of got me going," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

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

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," added Healy.

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

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

During the last week a sense they will win from any position has become more firm - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.

However although she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

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