🔗 Share this article

It's difficult for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

That it took until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia 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 championship victory came three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the winning streak.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup 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 come up short.

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

Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it's been a challenging time because it seemed I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point the batsman was in motion.

"An opportunity to play and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was removed her side required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."

That comment will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.