Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

Media Caption: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as The Aussies Overcome India

It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the record chasers, are what's still available for a side that has won it all.

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That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if never given the chance.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her newest gem.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted 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 "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

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

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort is debatable.

Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it was a challenging time because I feel like my form was missing completely," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you simply focus on the contest."

Video Description: 'Fantastic' Healy Hits 142 to Assist Australia Achieve Historic Pursuit

Healy's competitive nature has always been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was underway.

"An opportunity to go out there and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

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

Those words will be the last competing nations at this tournament need to hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has become more firm - this victory succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

During that phase they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing despite the injury.

Yet even as she afterwards confessed those injuries have delayed consideration of ending her career, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

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

Marissa Salazar
Marissa Salazar

A seasoned digital artist and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in UI/UX design and innovative project management.