🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's challenging for their batters to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.

Finally, the result of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

Then best known as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her bow and seven world titles have come from 10 efforts across formats.

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

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings came after six matches 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 challenging time because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit take over and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was in motion.

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

She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was out her side needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

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

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if we do, we are confident we can achieve it."

Those words will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.

During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

Yet even as she later admitted those physical issues have postponed plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as leader.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.