The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark 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 highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the opportunity.

In the end, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI 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 fall short again.

Whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort can be debated.

Many contend the reasoning behind final game tension. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because I feel like my form was missing at all," commented Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the match."

Video Description: 'Fantastic' Healy Hits 142 to Help Australia Complete Record Run Chase

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

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

"The possibility to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun that way, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

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

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

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."

That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.

During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at an important competition.

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

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as skipper.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.

Jennifer Moran
Jennifer Moran

A digital content strategist and blogger with over a decade of experience in online media and community building.