Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for Australia to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the record chasers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.
- Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
- Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers
That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.
Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven global championships have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing at all," said Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from there Healy was on her way.
"The possibility to play and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, 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, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was dismissed Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.
"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."
Those words will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this championship want to hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.
But while she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.