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- By Jay Wilson
- 01 Sep 2026
It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.
That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.
It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if not afforded the chance.
In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous 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 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her bow and seven global championships have come from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
Whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. 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 hundred was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in training, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was underway.
"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
Once she was dismissed the team needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we are confident we can achieve it."
Those words will be the last rival teams at this championship need to hear.
During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.
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 the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.
But while she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as leader.
Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.
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