🔗 Share this article

It's tough for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their batsmen to possess a record if never given the possibility.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to create her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former 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 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented 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 major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from there Healy was underway.

"The possibility to take the field and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was dismissed the team required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we are confident we can do it."

These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this tournament want to hear.

During the last week a sense they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this victory following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

However although she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.