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

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

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

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything.

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It needed until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.

Ultimately, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this performance was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the competition."

Video Description: 'Excellent' Healy Hits 142 to Assist Australia Complete Record Run Chase

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was in motion.

"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the belief to accomplish that now," added Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can do it."

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

In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury.

Yet even as she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper.

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

Krista Harris
Krista Harris

A Scottish travel writer and cultural enthusiast with over a decade of experience exploring and documenting Scotland's hidden gems.