The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.
The top summits have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the record chasers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.
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That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if never given the opportunity.
In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her newest gem.
Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it 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 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not come up short.
If this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've observed me in training, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that the right-hander was in motion.
"The possibility to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself that way, sort of got me going," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was out Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."
Those words will be the last Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.
During the last week a belief they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this success coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.
During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
But while she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.