🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the squad that has won 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, targeted by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a squad that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if not afforded the opportunity.

Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her bow and seven global championships have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it's been a challenging time because it appeared my form was missing at all," stated Healy.

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

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that Healy was underway.

"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was out her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, should it happen, we believe we can succeed."

Those words will be the last rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.

In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a significant event.

So great is her will, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing despite the injury.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.

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