Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, targeted by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a squad that has achieved everything.
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That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It's challenging for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the opportunity.
In the end, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.
Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the match."
Healy's competitiveness has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from that point Healy was underway.
"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
Once she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the belief to accomplish that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can do it."
Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this championship need to hear.
During the last week a belief they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this victory following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.
During that phase they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.