Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat 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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It needed as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It's challenging for their batters to possess a record if never given the chance.
In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her debut and seven global championships have resulted from 10 tries across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.
That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated.
Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this hundred was much more difficult to anticipate.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in training, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing completely," stated Healy.
"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the match."
Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that Healy was underway.
"The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
When she was removed her side required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if we do, we believe we can do it."
That comment will be the last rival teams at this championship should hear.
In recent days a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
But while she later admitted those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.
