The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has won it all.
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The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if never given the opportunity.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her most recent brilliance.
Then best known as the 19-year-old niece 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 conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fail again.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Many contend the reasoning behind final game tension. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's definite is this hundred was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this innings came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a challenging time because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you completely engage with the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's spark.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was in motion.
"An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
When she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if necessary, we are confident we can do it."
That comment will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament need to hear.
In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.
During that phase they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter 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 afterwards commented she wanted to have participated through the pain.
However although she later admitted those fitness problems have pushed back plans to retire, this tournament is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper.
Success in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.