The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if not provided the chance.
Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to produce her newest gem.
Then best known as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
If this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.
Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while 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 failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," stated Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from that point the right-hander was in motion.
"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
When she was out Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if necessary, we are confident we can achieve it."
Those words will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this tournament need to hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
However although she subsequently acknowledged 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.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.