Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

Media Caption: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as Australia Defeat India

It's a challenge for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.

The top summits have already been conquered.

This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has achieved everything.

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It needed up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their batters to possess a record if never given the possibility.

Finally, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance to create her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was considerably tougher to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a challenging time because it appeared my form was missing whatsoever," said Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the competition."

Video Description: 'Brilliant' Healy Scores 142 to Help Australia Accomplish Unprecedented Chase

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the batsman was underway.

"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was removed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the belief to do that now," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can succeed."

Those words will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this World Cup need to hear.

In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

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

However although she later admitted those injuries have postponed consideration of ending her career, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as leader.

Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.

Jodi Vaughan
Jodi Vaughan

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