🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has achieved everything.

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

The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.

Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

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

That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was far harder to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in training, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and after that the right-hander was in motion.

"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was removed the team required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

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

Those words will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.

In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

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

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

Yet even as she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as skipper.

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