Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

Media Caption: Healy Leads Record Chase as Australia Beat India

It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The top summits have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything.

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That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's challenging for their batsmen to hold a record if not afforded the possibility.

Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her most recent brilliance.

Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over 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 world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

Whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was much more difficult to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing at all," said Healy.

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

Media Caption: 'Brilliant' Healy Scores 142 to Assist Australia Complete Record Run Chase

Healy's competitive nature has always been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that Healy was underway.

"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, should it happen, we are confident we can succeed."

These statements will be the final thing competing nations at this championship need to hear.

During the last week a sense they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this triumph following win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.

So great is her will, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing despite the injury.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as leader.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.

Jessica Fowler
Jessica Fowler

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and industry trends across Europe.