The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.
Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Many contend the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was far harder to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in the nets, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing whatsoever," said Healy.
"But once you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that the right-hander was on her way.
"An opportunity to take the field and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, sort of got me going," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
By the time she was out her side needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if we do, we believe we can do it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this tournament need to hear.
In recent days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this success succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.
So great is her will, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.
But while she later admitted those physical issues have delayed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as captain.
Success in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.
