The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The top summits have already been conquered.
This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.
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That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if not afforded the chance.
Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her newest gem.
Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
Whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's definite is this hundred was considerably tougher to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've been watching me in training, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing at all," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you take the field, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.
"A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
When she was out the team required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to accomplish that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we believe we can succeed."
That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this championship should hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.
Yet even as she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as leader.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.