The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

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

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.

In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her newest gem.

Then best known as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

Whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was far harder to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, 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 has been a frustrating experience because it appeared I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.

"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the match."

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

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

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was in motion.

"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, sort of got me going," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we are confident we can do it."

These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this victory following victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at an important competition.

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

However although she later admitted those injuries have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as skipper.

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

Jo Kerr
Jo Kerr

An astrophysics graduate and amateur astronomer who writes about space discoveries and observing techniques from her home observatory.