Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad 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 exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.
Ultimately, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given a platform to create her most recent brilliance.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Many contend the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this hundred was much more difficult to predict.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.
"However when you take the field, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was in motion.
"An opportunity to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, kind of motivated me," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we believe we can succeed."
Those words will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.
In recent days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this triumph coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.
However although she later admitted those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as skipper.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.