The Iconic Game Celebrates 20 Years – How a Plastic Axe United Generations Among Rock Fans
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- By David Fisher
- 04 Sep 2026
It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has won it all.
It needed as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.
Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her newest gem.
Originally famous as the teenage relative 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 held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles 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 "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fail again.
Whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Certain people claim the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches 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 training, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.
"But once you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and after that Healy was in motion.
"A chance to take the field and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was out Australia required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, should it happen, we know we can achieve it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this championship should hear.
During the last week a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals 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 prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.
However although she afterwards confessed those injuries have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.