🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and once went nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a side 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, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

It needed as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.

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

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

Whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort is debatable.

Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I lacked timing completely," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single came off the opening delivery and from that point Healy was on her way.

"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was removed the team needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

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

That comment will be the last competing nations at this championship want to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

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

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as captain.

Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.