Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batsmen to possess a record if not provided the chance.
Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a platform to create her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final 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.
Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was far harder to anticipate.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the batsman was underway.
"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
Once she was out her side required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we believe we can succeed."
These statements will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at an important competition.
So great is her will, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.