š Share this article Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge. Media Caption: Healy Leads Record Chase as Australia Beat India It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground. The highest peaks have already been conquered. This is the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket. The alternative records, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has won it all. Healy's Century Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades. It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the possibility. Ultimately, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to create her newest gem. Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since. Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats. The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success. That loss "pushed 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 awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not come up short. Whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated. Many contend the case for final game tension. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000. What's clear is this century was much more difficult to see coming. The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30. "If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I lacked timing at all," stated Healy. "Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the competition." Video Description: 'Brilliant' Healy Makes 142 to Help Australia Complete Record Run Chase Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning. She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation. A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that Healy was on her way. "An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy. She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums. When she was out the team needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion. "To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further. "Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can succeed." That comment will be the final thing rival teams at this championship want to hear. Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph following win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point. Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure. It was at that stage they exited the previous 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 led her country for the initial instance at an important competition. So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated despite the injury. But while she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain. Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.