Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.
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That it took until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It's challenging for their batsmen to hold a record if not provided the opportunity.
Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her newest gem.
Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fail again.
If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort can be debated.
Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this knock was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a challenging time because I feel like I lacked timing at all," said Healy.
"But once you take the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and after that Healy was underway.
"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, kind of motivated me," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
Once she was dismissed her side needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed."
That comment will be the final thing competing nations at this World Cup need to hear.
During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter 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 the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.
Yet even as she afterwards confessed those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as captain.
Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.