The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has won it all.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.
It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving 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 country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this hundred was much more difficult to anticipate.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"For those following me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing completely," stated Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that the right-hander was on her way.
"The possibility to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
By the time she was dismissed her side needed 66 more at run per delivery - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the confidence to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, should it happen, we believe we can do it."
That comment will be the last competing nations at this championship should hear.
During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wished she had played despite the injury.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.