🔗 Share this article Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Faces One Final Mountain. Media Caption: Healy Leads Record Chase as The Aussies Defeat India It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records. The greatest achievements have already been conquered. This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and once went over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket. The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has won it all. Healy's Hundred Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers The fact it required until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades. It's challenging for their batsmen to hold a record if not provided the possibility. In the end, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her latest masterpiece. Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played 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 debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 tries across formats. The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run. That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week. At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not come up short. If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort remains open for discussion. Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000. What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming. The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs. "For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing at all," stated Healy. "Yet the moment you take the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you completely engage with the match." Video Description: 'Fantastic' Healy Hits 142 to Aid Australia Accomplish Unprecedented Chase Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning. She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration. A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was in motion. "A chance to play and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy. She got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes. Once she was removed her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish. "To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy. "Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we know we can succeed." Those words will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this championship want to hear. In recent days a sense they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this victory following win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment. Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure. It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to ruptured 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 wished she had played through the pain. But while she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as captain. Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.