Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side that has won it all.
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The fact it required until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.
Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her most recent brilliance.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fail again.
The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Many contend the reasoning behind final game tension. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this century was considerably tougher to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing whatsoever," commented Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
A single came off the opening delivery and from there Healy was underway.
"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was dismissed her side needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."
These statements will be the last competing nations at this championship want to hear.
During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
So great is her will, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.
However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is expected to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.