The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit 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 remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if not afforded the chance.
Finally, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy being given a platform to create her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted 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 championship match and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's definite is this century was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this performance was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've observed me in training, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was on her way.
"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
When she was removed the team needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if we do, we are confident we can do it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this championship should hear.
In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success following success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
Yet even as she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.