🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has won it all.

• Healy's Hundred Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

It needed until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.

Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat 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 title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

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

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

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

"But once you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the match."

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

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was in motion.

"An opportunity to take the field and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," continued Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if we do, we know we can succeed."

Those words will be the last Australia's opponents at this tournament need to hear.

In recent days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this victory following victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors 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 left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.