The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.
This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has achieved everything.
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That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.
In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her bow and seven world titles have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
The question of whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"For those following me in training, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," stated Healy.
"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and after that the batsman was on her way.
"A chance to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can do it."
These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.
In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.
Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.