🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the record chasers, are the only things left for a side that has won it all.

• Healy's Century Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if never given the opportunity.

Finally, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

Whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this performance 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 I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the opening delivery and from that point the right-hander was on her way.

"The possibility to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

Once she was out the team required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

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

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

That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup need to hear.

During the last week a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

But while she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this tournament is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.