🔗 Share this article

It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has won it all.

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

That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if never given the possibility.

In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 efforts across formats.

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

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

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

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point Healy was underway.

"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

When she was removed the team needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.

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

Those words will be the last competing nations at this tournament need to hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this success succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.

It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.