🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her most recent brilliance.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

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

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

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it has been a frustrating experience because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," commented Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that Healy was underway.

"The possibility to play and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was out her side required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can succeed."

These statements will be the last competing nations at this championship need to hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

During that phase they were eliminated from 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 led her country for the first time at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played despite the injury.

But while she later admitted those injuries have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.

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