🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Hundred Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

It needed up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

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

In the end, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her debut and seven international trophies have come from 10 tries across formats.

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

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. 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 century was far harder to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this performance was preceded by six games 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 has been a disappointing period because it seemed I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's competitive nature 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 last month's ODI series, dismissed by 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 Healy was underway.

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

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

By the time she was removed the team required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can achieve it."

Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this championship need to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

During that phase they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is likely to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.

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