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

Video Description: Healy Leads Record Chase as The Aussies Overcome India

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are what's still available for a team that has won it all.

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That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Then best known as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted 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 final and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated.

Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was much more difficult to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you completely engage with the match."

Video Description: 'Fantastic' Healy Makes 142 to Aid Australia Accomplish Unprecedented Chase

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent 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 from that point Healy was underway.

"An opportunity to play and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we are confident we can do it."

Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this championship need to hear.

In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success following win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.

So great is her will, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.

Martin Campbell
Martin Campbell

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