🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.

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

The fact it required as late as 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 the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their batters to hold a record if not provided the chance.

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well 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 commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

Whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in the nets, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the right-hander was on her way.

"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

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

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we are confident we can achieve it."

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

During the last week a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she later said she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

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