🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The greatest achievements 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 nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

It needed up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their batters to maintain a record if never given the possibility.

In the end, the result of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her bow and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the successful run.

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

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

Whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in training, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing completely," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

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

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

"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was removed Australia needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can do it."

That comment will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this tournament want to hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

Yet even as she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as skipper.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.