Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are all that remain for a team that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.
Finally, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.
Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Many contend the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was much more difficult to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've been watching me in training, it was a disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you completely engage with the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - 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, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from that point Healy was in motion.
"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, sort of got me going," stated Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
Once she was out Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - 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," added Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we are confident we can succeed."
These statements will be the last rival teams at this tournament should hear.
During the last week a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wished she had played with the discomfort.
However although she later admitted those injuries have pushed back plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper.
Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.
