🔗 Share this article Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb. Video Description: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as Australia Overcome India It's tough for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats. The greatest achievements have already been conquered. We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to 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 team that has won it all. Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Record Chase ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers The fact it required up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades. It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the chance. In the end, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her newest gem. Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since. A T20 World Cup win came three months after her bow and seven international trophies have followed from 10 attempts across formats. The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak. That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier. At the next 50-over World Cup 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 come up short. The question of whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display is debatable. Some will argue the reasoning behind final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000. What's clear is this ton was far harder to see coming. The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30. "For those following me in training, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like my form was missing completely," stated Healy. "However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the competition." Media Caption: 'Excellent' Healy Scores 142 to Help Australia Complete Record Run Chase Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning. She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark. One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the right-hander was underway. "A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy. She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums. When she was dismissed her side needed 66 more at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll. "Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," continued Healy. "Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we are confident we can do it." Those words will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this tournament need to hear. During the last week a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point. Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure. It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a major tournament. So great is her will, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort. Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader. Success in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.