The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have already been conquered.
This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything.
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That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the possibility.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her most recent brilliance.
Initially recognized as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not come up short.
The question of whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in the nets, it has been a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you completely engage with the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
A single came off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was in motion.
"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.
Once she was out her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."
Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this championship should hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
Yet even as she later admitted those injuries have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.