🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side 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 & Wicket-Takers

The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.

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

Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

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

At the next 50-over 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 fail again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was considerably tougher to predict.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as 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 practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.

"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

By the time she was removed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," continued Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if necessary, we are confident we can achieve it."

That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.

During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory following victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as skipper.

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