🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

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

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given a chance to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation didn't secure 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 arrived three months after her debut and seven global championships have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

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

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not come up short.

If this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because I feel like I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and after that the right-hander was in motion.

"The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself that way, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm happy we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.

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

These statements will be the last rival teams at this championship should hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 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 semi-final place may well be secure.

During that phase they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury.

But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.

Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.