🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Century Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

That it took until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

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

Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country 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 World Cup win happened three months after her debut and seven global championships have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive instincts activate and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

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

"A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was out Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

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

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."

Those words will be the last competing nations at this World Cup want to hear.

During the last week a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.