🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Assists Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

It needed until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batsmen to hold a record if not provided the possibility.

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy being given a chance to create her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven global championships have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind final game tension. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was far harder to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this knock was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit activate and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single came off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was on her way.

"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was out her side required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we believe we can succeed."

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

Over the past five days a belief they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those fitness problems have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.