🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Century Assists Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

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

Finally, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not come up short.

Whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was much more difficult to predict.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, 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 been watching me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that the batsman was in motion.

"An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was out Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

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

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we believe we can succeed."

That comment will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.

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

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, 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 surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.

But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have delayed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.

Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.