🔗 Share this article Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge. Video Description: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as The Aussies Overcome India It's tough for Australia to break new ground. The greatest achievements have long been mastered. We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket. The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side that has won it all. Healy's Hundred Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years. It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the chance. Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to deliver her newest gem. Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since. Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her bow and seven global championships have resulted from 10 tries across formats. The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the run of success. That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier. At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again. If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable. Certain people claim the reasoning behind final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000. What's clear is this ton was far harder to anticipate. The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this knock followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30. "For those following me in the nets, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," stated Healy. "However when you take the field, your competitive nature activate and you just lock into the contest." Media Caption: 'Brilliant' Healy Hits 142 to Aid Australia Achieve Historic Pursuit Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning. She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's spark. A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was in motion. "The possibility to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy. She got to fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits. Once she was removed her side needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish. "Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the belief to do that now," continued Healy. "Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if necessary, we know we can succeed." That comment will be the last competing nations at this World Cup should hear. Over the past five days a belief they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one stage. Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed. It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at an important competition. So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played despite the injury. However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain. Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.