🔗 Share this article

It's a challenge for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Ton Helps Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

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 highest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the opportunity.

Finally, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

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

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

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

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

Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was far harder to predict.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this knock came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.

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

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and a priceless quality in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

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

A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was on her way.

"The possibility to take the field and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

Once she was removed the team needed 66 more at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

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

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can achieve it."

That comment will be the last competing nations at this tournament should hear.

In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this victory succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.

But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.