Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.
This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.
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It needed as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.
It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.
In the end, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
Whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Many contend the reasoning behind final game tension. 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 century was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," stated Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has always been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that the batsman was on her way.
"A chance to go out there and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, sort of got me going," stated Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
Once she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the confidence to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we believe we can achieve it."
These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this championship want to hear.
During the last week a feeling they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
It was at that stage they exited the previous 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 captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
However although she afterwards confessed those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as captain.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.