Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's tough for Australia to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed 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, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has won it all.
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It needed up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if never given the opportunity.
In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fail again.
Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated.
Some will argue the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to anticipate.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in the nets, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing at all," said Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you completely engage with the match."
Healy's competitive nature has always been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
A single came off the opening delivery and from there Healy was underway.
"An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
Once she was out Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to do that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we believe we can achieve it."
Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this World Cup should hear.
In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has become more firm - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.
However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.
Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.