🔗 Share this article Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge. Video Description: Healy Leads Record Chase as The Aussies Beat India It's tough for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats. The greatest achievements have already been conquered. This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket. The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything. Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers The fact it required up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years. It is hard for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the chance. In the end, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her most recent brilliance. Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since. A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have followed from 10 tries across formats. The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak. That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier. At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short. If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable. Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000. What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to anticipate. The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30. "If you've been watching me in training, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy. "But once you take the field, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the contest." Media Caption: 'Excellent' Healy Scores 142 to Help Australia Achieve Historic Pursuit Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning. She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation. One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from that point Healy was underway. "The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy. She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits. When she was removed the team needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion. "To chase 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the confidence to do that now," stated Healy further. "Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed." These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear. Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one point. Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed. It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event. So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain. However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this championship is likely to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain. Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.