🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Hundred Aids Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It's challenging for their batters to possess a record if never given the opportunity.

In the end, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her newest gem.

Then best known as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

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

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

Whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this performance was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and from that point the batsman was on her way.

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

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

When she was dismissed the team needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if necessary, we believe we can achieve it."

Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this championship want to hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this victory succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play 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 later said she wanted to have participated through the pain.

However although she afterwards confessed those injuries have delayed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.

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