🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The top summits have long been mastered.

We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if never given the chance.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.

Then best known as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven world titles have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

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

Whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase 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 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it has been a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive nature activate and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing famous previous leader 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 this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point Healy was underway.

"An opportunity to take the field and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

When she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."

These statements will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.

In recent days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this triumph following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

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 place may well be secure.

It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played through the pain.

But while she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have postponed consideration of ending her career, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.