🔗 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, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

It needed up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if never given the opportunity.

In the end, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

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

At the following one-day championship 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 fail again.

Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated.

Many contend the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was much more difficult to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this performance was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it has been a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and a priceless quality in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was underway.

"A chance to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

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

Once she was removed the team required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, should it happen, we believe we can do it."

That comment will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this championship want to hear.

In recent days a sense they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph following victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those injuries have pushed back plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.

Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.