🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

This is the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Record Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

That it took until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.

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

In the end, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not come up short.

If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable.

Certain people claim the argument supporting final game tension. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage 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 failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.

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

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from there the batsman was underway.

"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was out Australia needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

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

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

During the last week a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played through the pain.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.