The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.
This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has won it all.
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The fact it required until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.
Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a challenging time because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the match."
Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there the batsman was in motion.
"A chance to take the field and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was dismissed her side needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if necessary, we believe we can succeed."
That comment will be the last rival teams at this tournament should hear.
During the last week a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - 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 traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
But while she later admitted those injuries have delayed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.