The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have long been mastered.
This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side 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 over 300, taking back their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.
Finally, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven global championships have followed from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort is debatable.
Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this century was much more difficult to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've observed me in training, it has been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by 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 bowler's initial ball and from that point the batsman was in motion.
"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was removed her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."
Those words will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this tournament need to hear.
During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
However although she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.