🔗 Share this article

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a squad that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

It needed until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their batters to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous 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 conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.

If this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing completely," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has always been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

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

"The possibility to play and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

By the time she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

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

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

Over the past five days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this triumph following success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.

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

But while she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as leader.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.