🔗 Share this article

It's difficult 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, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if never given the opportunity.

Finally, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her most recent brilliance.

Then best known as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

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

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the following one-day championship 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 fall short again.

If this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Some will argue the reasoning behind final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single was taken 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 just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was out her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we believe we can do it."

These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.

During the last week a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

However although she afterwards confessed those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as leader.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.