Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are what's still available for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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It needed as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their batsmen to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.
Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex 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 witnessed all through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fail again.
If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock 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 practice sessions, it has been a challenging time because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point Healy was on her way.
"An opportunity to go out there and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
Once she was out her side required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," added Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, should it happen, we believe we can achieve it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.
In recent days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
It was in the semi-finals they exited 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 initial instance at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.
But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.
