Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

Media Caption: Healy Leads Record Chase as The Aussies Overcome India

It's difficult for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has achieved everything.

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The fact it required up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

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

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to create her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure 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 arrived three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the winning streak.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this performance came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the contest."

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

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from there Healy was in motion.

"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was removed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," continued Healy.

"Ideally we won't need 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 championship need to hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as leader.

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

Henry Clark
Henry Clark

A music journalist and cultural critic with a passion for uncovering underground scenes and innovative artistic expressions across the UK.