🔗 Share this article

It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Century Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

The fact it required up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if never given the opportunity.

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven world titles have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a challenging time because I feel like I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was in motion.

"A chance 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 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

By the time she was dismissed her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we believe we can do it."

Those words will be the last competing nations at this World Cup should hear.

In recent days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those fitness problems have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.

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