🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

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

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

It needed until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.

It is hard for their batsmen to possess a record if not provided the chance.

In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

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

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fail again.

Whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort is debatable.

Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

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

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the competition."

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

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from that point Healy was on her way.

"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was removed the team needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," continued Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if we do, we know we can do it."

Those words will be the last rival teams at this championship should hear.

In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a significant event.

So great is her will, she later said she regretted not playing despite the injury.

However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as leader.

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