🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have long been mastered.

We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has won it all.

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

That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.

Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a chance to produce her newest gem.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her bow and seven global championships have come from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

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

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was far harder to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock 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 observed me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like my form was missing completely," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from that point Healy was in motion.

"An opportunity to take the field and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if necessary, we believe we can succeed."

These statements will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this championship want to hear.

In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory following victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a significant event.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

Yet even as she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as skipper.

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