The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.
This is the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batters to possess a record if never given the opportunity.
Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation 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 happened three months after her bow and seven global championships have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort is debatable.
Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this hundred was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"For those following me in training, it was a challenging time because it appeared my form was missing at all," said Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the match."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and after that Healy was on her way.
"The possibility to play and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
Once she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm pleased we have the assurance to do that now," added Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can do it."
Those words will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this World Cup want to hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.
During that phase they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played through the pain.
However although she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.