🔗 Share this article

It's a challenge for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The top summits have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if not afforded the chance.

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

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the winning streak.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

Whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton 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 over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a challenging time because I feel like I lacked timing completely," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature take over and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was in motion.

"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was removed the team needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

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

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if necessary, we believe we can succeed."

Those words will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.

In recent days a sense they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this triumph succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing despite the injury.

But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

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