The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a team that has achieved everything.
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The fact it required until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batsmen to maintain a record if never given the chance.
In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.
Whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was far harder to anticipate.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing whatsoever," commented Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and after that the batsman was underway.
"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
By the time she was dismissed her side required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we believe we can achieve it."
That comment will be the last competing nations at this World Cup need to hear.
In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.
It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a significant event.
So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.
Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.