The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a squad that has won it all.
- Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
- Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers
That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her debut and seven international trophies have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.
If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge 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 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've been watching me in training, it has been a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the match."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that Healy was underway.
"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
When she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."
These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.
During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph coming after success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.
It was at that stage they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated through the pain.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as leader.
Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.
