The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.
Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her newest gem.
Originally famous as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 tries across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the run of success.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," 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 guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Some will argue the argument supporting final game tension. Some might respond with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this century was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a challenging time because it seemed I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.
"But once you take the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the contest."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the right-hander was underway.
"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, should it happen, we know we can do it."
These statements will be the last competing nations at this tournament should hear.
In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at an important competition.
So great is her will, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated through the pain.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as skipper.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.