🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The top summits have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

It needed until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It is hard for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to produce her newest gem.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country 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.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest 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 destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this knock followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there the batsman was underway.

"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun that way, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

When she was out her side needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."

These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 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 last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

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 damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.

Yet even as she later admitted those fitness problems have pushed back plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.