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

Video Description: Healy Leads Record Chase as Australia Beat India

It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side 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 complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.

In the end, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her debut and seven global championships have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

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 fail again.

If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts activate and you just lock into the competition."

Video Description: 'Brilliant' Healy Hits 142 to Aid Australia Accomplish Unprecedented Chase

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the batsman was underway.

"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

Once she was out Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the belief to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."

Those words will be the final thing rival teams at this tournament should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wished she had played despite the injury.

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.

Teresa Ware
Teresa Ware

A passionate food enthusiast and recipe developer with a love for creating simple, flavorful dishes.