Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

Media Caption: Healy Leads Record Chase as Australia Beat India

It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

This is the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if never given the chance.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

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 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fail again.

Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the reasoning behind final game tension. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this performance followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the contest."

Video Description: 'Fantastic' Healy Hits 142 to Aid Australia Achieve Historic Pursuit

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

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the right-hander was in motion.

"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

By the time she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."

Those words will be the last competing nations at this World Cup need to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals 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 first time at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.

However although she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.

Kristen Santos
Kristen Santos

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