The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and once went over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

It needed up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batsmen to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.

In the end, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort can be debated.

Certain people claim the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was far harder to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock came after six matches 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 disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts activate and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has always been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from there the batsman was in motion.

"An opportunity to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was removed the team needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to do that now," added Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."

These statements will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this tournament need to hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they exited 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 captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a global event as skipper.

Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.