đź”— Share this article Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain. Video Description: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as Australia Beat India It's a challenge for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats. The greatest achievements have already been conquered. We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket. The secondary achievements, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has accomplished all there is. Healy's Century Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers The fact it required 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 women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century. It's difficult for their batters to maintain a record if not afforded the possibility. In the end, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to create her newest gem. Then best known as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since. Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have followed from 10 efforts across formats. The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the run of success. That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier. At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again. Whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable. Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000. What is certain is this ton was far harder to predict. The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs. "If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing completely," stated Healy. "But once you take the field, your competitive nature kick in and you simply focus on the match." Video Description: 'Excellent' Healy Hits 142 to Aid Australia Complete Record Run Chase Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning. She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration. One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the right-hander was underway. "An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy. She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three sixes. When she was out Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish. "Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," added Healy. "Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can do it." These statements will be the last competing nations at this tournament should hear. In recent days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage. Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed. It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event. So great is her will, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury. However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as skipper. Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.