🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has won it all.

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

The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's challenging for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the possibility.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy getting a platform to create her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece 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 experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her bow and seven international trophies have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

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

Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this hundred was considerably tougher to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and after that the batsman was in motion.

"The possibility to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

When she was out Australia required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we believe we can do it."

That comment will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.

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

It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those injuries have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as captain.

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