Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if never given the opportunity.
Finally, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Then best known 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 held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "pushed 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 title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.
If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's definite is this century was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed my form was missing completely," commented Healy.
"But once you take the field, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
A single came off the opening delivery and from that point the right-hander was underway.
"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
By the time she was out the team required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."
These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this World Cup need to hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this success succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as captain.
Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.