Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

Media Caption: Healy Leads Record Chase as The Aussies Overcome India

It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

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

The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.

  • Healy's Ton 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 up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It is hard for their batters to hold a record if not provided the chance.

Finally, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

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

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this knock came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in training, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," commented Healy.

"But once you take the field, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the contest."

Media Caption: 'Excellent' Healy Hits 142 to Help Australia Complete Record Run Chase

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

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that Healy was underway.

"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was out the team needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

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

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we believe we can succeed."

These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this championship want to hear.

During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.

Donna Green
Donna Green

A UK-based business strategist with over 15 years of experience in enterprise technology and digital transformation.