🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has won it all.

• Healy's Century Helps Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their batters to possess a record if never given the opportunity.

Finally, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

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

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the run of success.

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

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

Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in training, it was a challenging time because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from that point Healy was on her way.

"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

By the time she was removed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if we do, we are confident we can achieve it."

That comment will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.

In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face 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.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.

However although she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as skipper.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.