The Australian Team Breaks New Ground 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 unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the opportunity.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you take the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you completely engage with the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was underway.
"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we know we can do it."
That comment will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
However although she afterwards confessed those injuries have postponed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.