🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a side that has won it all.

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

The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if never given the possibility.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance 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 setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

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

If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the match."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

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

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

"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was out the team required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

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

"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can do it."

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

In recent days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success following win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.