🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Century Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

The fact it required up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batters to maintain a record if never given the opportunity.

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

Then best known as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her debut and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not come up short.

Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in training, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there Healy was on her way.

"A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was removed the team required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

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

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we know we can succeed."

Those words will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this championship want to hear.

In recent days a belief they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this victory succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is likely to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as skipper.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.