🔗 Share this article

It's a challenge for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and once went over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Century Helps Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batsmen to hold a record if not afforded the opportunity.

In the end, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her newest gem.

Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

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

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 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 newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the case for final game tension. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to predict.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this knock was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a frustrating experience because it appeared I lacked timing completely," stated Healy.

"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her great strength - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and after that Healy was on her way.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was removed her side needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

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

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can achieve it."

These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.

During the last week a sense they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wanted to have participated through the pain.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.

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