The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if never given the chance.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her newest gem.
Originally famous as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have resulted from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've been watching me in training, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star 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 bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was in motion.
"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, sort of got me going," said Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
When she was dismissed the team required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed."
These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.
In recent days a belief they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this success following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.
Yet even as she later admitted those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as leader.
Success in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.
