🔗 Share this article

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

The top summits have long been mastered.

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

The alternative records, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

The fact it required until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the possibility.

Finally, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her most recent brilliance.

Then best known as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have come from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

Whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was far harder to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because I feel like my form was missing whatsoever," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the opening delivery and from that point the right-hander was underway.

"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, sort of got me going," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was out her side required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can succeed."

These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was at that stage they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.

However although she later admitted those injuries have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as captain.

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