🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have already been conquered.

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

The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the possibility.

Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to create her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback 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 hit 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not come up short.

If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Some will argue the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive nature take over and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that Healy was underway.

"The possibility to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was out her side needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

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

Those words will be the last rival teams at this tournament need to hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face 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 left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So great is her will, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing despite the injury.

But while she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.