🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.

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

It needed until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

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

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her bow and seven international trophies have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fail again.

If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was far harder to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a challenging time because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

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

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the right-hander was underway.

"An opportunity to play and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

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

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

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can achieve it."

Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this championship should hear.

During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing despite the injury.

But while she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is likely to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as leader.

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