The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a squad 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 exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the chance.
Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven world titles have resulted from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was far harder to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage 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 not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in training, it has been a challenging time because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.
"However when you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the competition."
Healy's competitive nature has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was underway.
"An opportunity to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was out Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can achieve it."
Those words will be the last competing nations at this championship need to hear.
In recent days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this success following win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.
During that phase they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.
So great is her will, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.
However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this tournament is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as skipper.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.