The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.
The top summits have long been mastered.
We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.
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That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.
In the end, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a chance to create her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous as the teenage relative 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 witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was considerably tougher to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this knock was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing at all," stated Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has always been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the batsman was on her way.
"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was dismissed Australia needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the belief to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."
These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.
In recent days a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.
However although she later admitted those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.