The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has accomplished all there is.
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It needed as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their batsmen to hold a record if not afforded the opportunity.
Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven global championships have come from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fail again.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings came after six matches 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 was a frustrating experience because I feel like my form was missing whatsoever," said Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was on her way.
"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was out her side needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to achieve that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can achieve it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear.
In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
Yet even as she later admitted those injuries have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.