🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The top summits have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.

• Healy's Century Helps Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the chance.

Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former 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 seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in training, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed 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 fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and after that the right-hander was on her way.

"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the belief to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we believe we can achieve it."

Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this tournament need to hear.

In recent days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as leader.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.