🔗 Share this article The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge. Video Description: Healy Leads Record Chase as The Aussies Overcome India It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records. The highest peaks have already been conquered. This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket. The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything. Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Unprecedented Chase Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers It needed until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century. It's difficult for their batsmen to maintain a record if never given the chance. Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to produce her most recent brilliance. Then best known as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since. A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have resulted from 10 attempts across formats. The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat 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 hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fail again. If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion. Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000. What is certain is this century was far harder to predict. The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs. "If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because I feel like my form was missing whatsoever," said Healy. "But once you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the match." Video Description: 'Excellent' Healy Hits 142 to Assist Australia Complete Record Run Chase Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning. She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation. One run resulted off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was on her way. "A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy. She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums. When she was removed her side needed 66 more at run per delivery - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish. "Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," stated Healy further. "Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we are confident we can succeed." These statements will be the last rival teams at this World Cup need to hear. During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this triumph coming after success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage. Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed. During that phase they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at an important competition. So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury. However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain. Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.