π Share this article Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain. Video Description: Healy Leads Record Chase as The Aussies Beat India It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records. The top summits have already been conquered. We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket. The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has achieved everything. Healy's Century Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades. It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if never given the chance. Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her newest gem. Then best known as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since. Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 tries across formats. The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the successful run. That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently. At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short. If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated. Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000. What's definite is this hundred was considerably tougher to see coming. The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30. "For those following me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy. "However when you step out on the field, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the contest." Media Caption: 'Excellent' Healy Scores 142 to Assist Australia Accomplish Unprecedented Chase Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning. She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark. One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point the batsman was in motion. "A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, kind of motivated me," commented Healy. She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits. Once she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll. "Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the belief to accomplish that now," continued Healy. "Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, should it happen, we believe we can succeed." Those words will be the last rival teams at this championship want to hear. Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage. Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed. It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition. So strong is her resolve, she later said she wanted to have participated through the pain. But while she later admitted those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper. Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.