Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.
This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if not provided the opportunity.
Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI 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 bow and seven world titles have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship 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 fail again.
If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was far harder to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing at all," stated Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.
A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from that point Healy was underway.
"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, sort of got me going," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was out the team needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."
These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have postponed consideration of ending her career, this championship is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as leader.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.