π Share this article Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb. Media Caption: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as Australia Overcome India It's tough for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats. The highest peaks have already been conquered. This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket. The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is. Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Record Chase Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers It needed up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years. It's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the possibility. Finally, the result of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her newest gem. Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since. A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats. The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the run of success. That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier. At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fail again. If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion. 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 is certain is this century was considerably tougher to predict. The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs. "For those following me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy. "But once you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the match." Video Description: 'Brilliant' Healy Scores 142 to Assist Australia Accomplish Unprecedented Chase Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning. She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation. A single came off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way. "A chance to go out there and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, kind of motivated me," commented Healy. She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes. Once she was removed her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish. "Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy. "Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can do it." Those words will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup need to hear. Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage. Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure. During that phase they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a major tournament. Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury. Yet even as she afterwards confessed those injuries have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper. Success in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.