🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The top summits have long been mastered.

This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

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

• Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.

In the end, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her newest gem.

Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was considerably tougher to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in training, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing completely," commented Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the match."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single came off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was in motion.

"The possibility to take the field and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was removed the team needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the confidence to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can succeed."

Those words will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament should hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as captain.

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