Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

Media Caption: Healy Leads Record Chase as The Aussies Overcome India

It's difficult for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

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

The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything.

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That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It's challenging for their batsmen to hold a record if not afforded the chance.

Ultimately, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to create her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fail again.

If this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Some will argue the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was much more difficult to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because I feel like my form was missing whatsoever," said Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the competition."

Media Caption: 'Excellent' Healy Scores 142 to Help Australia Complete Record Run Chase

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from that point Healy was underway.

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

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

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

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we are confident we can achieve it."

These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this championship should hear.

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

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So great is her will, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she later admitted those physical issues have postponed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.

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

Tammy Miller MD
Tammy Miller MD

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