🔗 Share this article

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

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

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

The secondary achievements, those for the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a squad that has won it all.

• Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

It needed as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batsmen to hold a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to create her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

Whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in training, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from that point Healy was on her way.

"The possibility to take the field and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, sort of got me going," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

Once she was out the team needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

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

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

That comment will be the last competing nations at this World Cup should hear.

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

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury.

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.

Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.