Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has achieved everything.
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It needed 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 women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It is hard for their batters to hold a record if never given the chance.
Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous 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 conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final 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 surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was much more difficult to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in training, it has been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.
"But once you take the field, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from that point Healy was underway.
"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was removed the team required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm happy we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed."
These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.
In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has become more firm - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
It was at that stage they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.
So great is her will, she subsequently stated she wished she had played through the pain.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as skipper.
Success in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.
