The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for Australia to break new ground.
The top summits have already been conquered.
We're talking about the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the record chasers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.
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That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the opportunity.
In the end, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to create her newest gem.
Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.
Some will argue the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," said Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that the batsman was on her way.
"The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
Once she was out Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can succeed."
That comment will be the last rival teams at this tournament want to hear.
During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this championship is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.
