🔗 Share this article

It's a challenge for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 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 newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Many contend the case for final game tension. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a challenging time because it appeared my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the match."

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

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and after that the right-hander was underway.

"An opportunity to take the field and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was dismissed the team required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

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

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, should it happen, we believe we can achieve it."

These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament need to hear.

In recent days a belief they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting 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 berth may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a significant event.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed consideration of ending her career, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as skipper.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.