🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

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

The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

It needed until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if not provided the possibility.

Finally, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a platform to create her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not come up short.

If this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in training, it was a frustrating experience because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the batsman was underway.

"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was out the team needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can achieve it."

Those words will be the final thing rival teams at this championship need to hear.

In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was at that stage they left 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 wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.

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