Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

Video Description: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as The Aussies Beat India

It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

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

The alternative records, targeted by the achievement hunters, 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 exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batters to maintain a record if never given the chance.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

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 ensured her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was far harder to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this performance came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it's been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing completely," stated Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the contest."

Video Description: 'Fantastic' Healy Hits 142 to Aid Australia Complete Record Run Chase

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

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

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the right-hander was in motion.

"The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was out her side needed 66 more at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."

Those words will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated through the pain.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.

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

Destiny Cantrell
Destiny Cantrell

Emily is a nutritionist and food blogger who loves sharing tips on healthy eating and seasonal fruits.