Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

Media Caption: Healy Leads Record Chase as Australia Beat India

It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The top summits have already been conquered.

We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the record chasers, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the possibility.

Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

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

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was considerably tougher to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because I feel like my form was missing whatsoever," commented Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the contest."

Video Description: 'Brilliant' Healy Hits 142 to Aid Australia Complete Record Run Chase

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was underway.

"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we know we can achieve it."

That comment will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this World Cup need to hear.

In recent days a sense they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this triumph coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she later said she wanted to have participated through the pain.

But while she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.

Henry Stewart
Henry Stewart

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