Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The top summits have long been mastered.
This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batters to hold a record if not afforded the opportunity.
Finally, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short.
The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Certain people claim the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to anticipate.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from there the batsman was underway.
"The possibility to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
Once she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can do it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.
In recent days a belief they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at an important competition.
So great is her will, she later said she wished she had played through the pain.
But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.