🔗 Share this article

It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a squad that has won it all.

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

It needed as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

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

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to create her newest gem.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the winning streak.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

Whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Many contend the argument supporting championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's clear is this hundred was far harder to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it has been a challenging time because it seemed I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has always been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and after that Healy was in motion.

"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

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

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the belief to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can do it."

That comment will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

During that phase they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

However although she afterwards confessed those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.

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