🔗 Share this article The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge. Media Caption: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as Australia Beat India It's difficult for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats. The greatest achievements have long been mastered. We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket. The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has won it all. Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Record Chase ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers That it took until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years. It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance. In the end, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her most recent brilliance. Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since. A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have come from 10 attempts across formats. The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the successful run. That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently. At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again. The question of whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable. Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the test 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 destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, 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 observed me in training, it's been a frustrating experience because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," commented Healy. "Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you completely engage with the contest." Video Description: 'Brilliant' Healy Scores 142 to Aid Australia Accomplish Unprecedented Chase Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning. She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration. A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from there Healy was on her way. "A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy. She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums. By the time she was dismissed her side needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll. "Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," continued Healy. "Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we know we can succeed." These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear. Over the past five days a sense they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one stage. Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure. During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a significant event. So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing with the discomfort. However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader. Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.