India, Oct. 12 -- Alyssa Healy had spoken of fine balances and increasing greys before the World Cup fixture against India. She spoke of learning to utilise a few smarter options while never curbing her natural aggression.

On Sunday night, with a gentle breeze from the Bay of Bengal blowing, she played a captain's knock that underlined that Australia, even when stretched, remain a tough side to beat. Starring with a stunning 142 off 107 balls (21x4, 3x6) - the highest score in this World Cup, her sixth ODI hundred, the first as captain and the third in World Cups - she put on a masterclass in absorbing pressure, pacing a chase of 331 runs, and stamping authority in a rivalry that they continue to dominate.

With the three-wicket win, the...