🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

That it took until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.

Finally, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not come up short.

Whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit take over and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was underway.

"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

Once she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

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

Those words will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has become more firm - this victory succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as captain.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.