Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.
This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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It needed up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It's challenging for their batters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.
Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the young family member 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 from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted 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 championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.
The question of whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this performance 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 training, it's been a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing completely," stated Healy.
"But once you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there the batsman was in motion.
"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
Once she was removed the team needed 66 more at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed."
Those words will be the last Australia's opponents at this championship should hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation 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 injuries have delayed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.