The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

Media Caption: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as Australia Beat India

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and once went over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a team that has accomplished all there is.

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their batters to possess a record if never given the opportunity.

Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven global championships have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's clear is this hundred was considerably tougher to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in training, it was a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm completely," commented Healy.

"However when you take the field, your competitive nature activate and you just lock into the competition."

Media Caption: 'Brilliant' Healy Makes 142 to Help Australia Complete Record Run Chase

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and after that the batsman was in motion.

"The possibility to take the field and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

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

When she was dismissed the team required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," continued Healy.

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

That comment will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 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 semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury.

However although she later admitted those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as captain.

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

Michael Green
Michael Green

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