đź”— Share this article The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain. Video Description: Healy Leads Record Chase as The Aussies Defeat India It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records. The highest peaks have been successfully scaled. We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket. The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is. Healy's Hundred Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers That it took until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades. It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the possibility. Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her latest masterpiece. Then best known as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since. Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats. The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak. That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier. At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short. If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort is debatable. Many contend the case for final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000. What's clear is this century was much more difficult to anticipate. The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs. "For those following me in training, it's been a challenging time because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy. "However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the competition." Video Description: 'Fantastic' Healy Makes 142 to Help Australia Achieve Historic Pursuit Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning. She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration. One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that Healy was on her way. "An opportunity to take the field and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy. She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three sixes. Once she was out the team needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll. "To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the belief to do that now," added Healy. "Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can succeed." That comment will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear. Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment. Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure. It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament. Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wished she had played through the pain. But while she later admitted those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader. Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.