The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

Media Caption: Healy Leads Record Chase as Australia Overcome India

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

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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It needed until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.

In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her newest gem.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup 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.

Whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Some will argue the argument supporting final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was far harder to predict.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the competition."

Media Caption: 'Brilliant' Healy Makes 142 to Aid Australia Achieve Historic Pursuit

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from there the batsman was on her way.

"An opportunity to play and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was out her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued 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 rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed plans to retire, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.

Wanda Santiago
Wanda Santiago

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