The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.
- Healy's Century Aids Australia to Record Chase
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
- Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers
The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.
In the end, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her bow and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Certain people claim the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in training, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.
"But once you take the field, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was on her way.
"The possibility to take the field and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was out the team required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."
That comment will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup need to hear.
In recent days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success following win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.
So great is her will, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
Yet even as she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.
Success in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.
