🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have already been conquered.

This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are all that remain for a squad that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given a platform to create her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her debut and seven international trophies have come from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was much more difficult to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this knock came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you simply focus on the contest."

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

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

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

"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 got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

Once she was removed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we know we can succeed."

Those words will be the last Australia's opponents at this championship want to hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

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

Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.