The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has won it all.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It's challenging for their batsmen to hold a record if not afforded the possibility.
In the end, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance 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 her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have resulted from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fail again.
Whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this hundred was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing whatsoever," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
A single came off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was underway.
"The possibility to play and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
When she was out the team needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the confidence to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can do it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this championship need to hear.
During the last week a feeling they will win from any position has become more firm - this success coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a significant event.
So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.
But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as skipper.
Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.