🔗 Share this article

It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about 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 remaining milestones, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Helps Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.

Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her debut and seven global championships have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

Whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

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

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it has been a frustrating experience because I feel like I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from there Healy was on her way.

"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

By the time she was out her side required another 66 at run per delivery - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

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

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

These statements will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wished she had played through the pain.

Yet even as she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as captain.

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