Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

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

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

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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That it took until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It is hard for their batsmen to maintain a record if never given the possibility.

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven global championships have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Some will argue the reasoning behind final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing at all," commented Healy.

"However when you take the field, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the competition."

Video Description: 'Brilliant' Healy Hits 142 to Assist Australia Complete Record Run Chase

Healy's competitive nature has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there the batsman was underway.

"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

Once she was out Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

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

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we know we can do it."

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

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

Next Australia play 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 at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.

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

However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is likely to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.

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

John Whitaker
John Whitaker

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