The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The top summits have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a side that has achieved everything.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batsmen to possess a record if not provided the possibility.
Ultimately, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to deliver her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven world titles have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable.
Many contend the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was far harder to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a challenging time because I feel like I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.
"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts take over and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has always been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was underway.
"An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can do it."
These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.
In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.
During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.
So great is her will, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.
But while she later admitted those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is expected to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as captain.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.
