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 a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.

The top summits have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has won it all.

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That it took up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

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

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.

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

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a challenging time because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you completely engage with the contest."

Media Caption: 'Brilliant' Healy Makes 142 to Help Australia Achieve Historic Pursuit

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that the right-hander was underway.

"The possibility 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 got to fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

Once she was dismissed her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.

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

These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.

During the last week a feeling they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

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

Such is her determination, she later said she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

However although she later admitted those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.

David Armstrong
David Armstrong

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