The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
We're talking about the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, taking back 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 the last half-century.
It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if never given the possibility.
In the end, the result of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
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 newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Certain people claim the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to anticipate.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," said Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there the batsman was underway.
"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, sort of got me going," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
Once she was out her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," added Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can achieve it."
Those words will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup need to hear.
In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played through the pain.
However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as skipper.
Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.