Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The top summits have long been mastered.
This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.
- Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
- Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers
That it took up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.
It is hard for their batters to possess a record if never given the chance.
In the end, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven international trophies have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not come up short.
Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated.
Certain people claim the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've observed me in training, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point the batsman was underway.
"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
When she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to accomplish that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can achieve it."
These statements will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as skipper.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.