The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 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 team that has won it all.
- Healy's Century Aids Australia to Record Chase
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
- Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers
That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.
Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win 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 happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this knock followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in training, it was a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," commented Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the competition."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and after that the batsman was in motion.
"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
Once she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can do it."
Those words will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament want to hear.
In recent days a sense they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this triumph following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
Yet even as she afterwards confessed those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as skipper.
Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.