🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have long been mastered.

We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.

In the end, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

Whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort can be debated.

Certain people claim the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when 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 was a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from there the batsman was on her way.

"The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

Once she was dismissed the team needed 66 more at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the belief to accomplish that now," added Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if necessary, we are confident we can do it."

These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

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

During that phase they were eliminated from 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 inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.

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