Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has won it all.
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That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.
It's challenging for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the chance.
Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short.
Whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the reasoning behind final game tension. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What is certain is this hundred was much more difficult to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in training, it has been a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing at all," said Healy.
"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
A single came off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was on her way.
"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to do that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we know we can do it."
That comment will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament need to hear.
During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
However although she later admitted those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.