๐ Share this article The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Faces One Final Mountain. Media Caption: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as The Aussies Beat India It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground. The greatest achievements have already been conquered. We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket. The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything. Healy's Century Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years. It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the opportunity. Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her latest masterpiece. Originally famous as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since. A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 tries across formats. The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success. That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier. At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not come up short. If this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement can be debated. Some will argue the argument supporting final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000. What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to predict. The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while 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 the nets, it's been a challenging time because it seemed my form was missing completely," stated Healy. "However when you take the field, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the competition." Video Description: 'Fantastic' Healy Hits 142 to Aid Australia Complete Record Run Chase Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning. She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation. A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was in motion. "An opportunity to go out there and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun that way, kind of motivated me," commented Healy. She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums. When she was dismissed her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish. "Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy. "Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can succeed." These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup need to hear. Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one point. Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure. During that phase they left last 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 led her country for the first time at an important competition. So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury. Yet even as she afterwards confessed those injuries have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader. Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.