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

Video Description: Healy Leads Record Chase as Australia Beat India

It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has claimed 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, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.

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That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batters to hold a record if not provided the possibility.

Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fail again.

Whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock 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 observed me in training, it's been a challenging time because it seemed my form was missing completely," stated Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the match."

Video Description: 'Excellent' Healy Makes 142 to Aid Australia Accomplish Unprecedented Chase

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was on her way.

"The possibility to play and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy.

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

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

In recent days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this triumph coming after success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.

It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

However although she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.

Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.

Melody Hudson
Melody Hudson

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting markets and statistical modeling.