Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

Video Description: Healy Leads Record Chase as Australia Defeat India

It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has won it all.

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That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance to deliver her newest gem.

Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her debut and seven global championships have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success.

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

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

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Many contend the reasoning behind final game tension. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing completely," commented Healy.

"However when you take the field, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the competition."

Media Caption: 'Fantastic' Healy Scores 142 to Aid Australia Complete Record Run Chase

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

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

A single came off the opening delivery and from that point Healy was underway.

"The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

When she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the confidence to do that now," stated Healy further.

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

These statements will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.

In recent days a sense they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this victory following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

So great is her will, she later said she regretted not playing despite the injury.

But while she later admitted those fitness problems have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as captain.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.

Angela Michael
Angela Michael

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