🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

It needed until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their batsmen to maintain a record if never given the chance.

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

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation 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.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have come from 10 tries across formats.

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

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fail again.

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

Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," said Healy.

"But once you take the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.

"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

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

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

Those words will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this tournament need to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will win from any position has become more firm - this success following success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

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

But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.