The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.
The top summits have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, those for the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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It needed until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's challenging for their batters to possess a record if never given the chance.
In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.
Then best known as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Certain people claim the argument supporting final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm completely," commented Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature activate and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen 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 there Healy was on her way.
"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
Once she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we believe we can achieve it."
Those words will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear.
During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.
But while she later admitted those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.