🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a side that has won it all.

• Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Record Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It's difficult for their batters to hold a record if never given the chance.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

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

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not come up short.

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

Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this knock was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it was a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.

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

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from there Healy was in motion.

"The possibility to take the field and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was removed Australia needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," continued Healy.

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

That comment will be the final thing competing nations at this championship should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this victory following victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wished she had played despite the injury.

But while she later admitted those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.

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