Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.
- Healy's Century Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
- Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers
The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's challenging for their batsmen to hold a record if not afforded the opportunity.
In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
If this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Many contend the reasoning behind final game tension. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings came after six matches 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's been a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the match."
Healy's fighting spirit 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 emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
A single came off the opening delivery and from there Healy was underway.
"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, sort of got me going," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
Once she was removed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," added Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."
That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this tournament want to hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.
During that phase they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
But while she later admitted those fitness problems have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.
Success in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.