The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if never given the chance.
Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Then best known as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
Whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the reasoning behind 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 century was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it seemed my form was missing whatsoever," stated Healy.
"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts take over and you completely engage with the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was underway.
"An opportunity to play and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.
Once she was out the team needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we know we can do it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
Yet even as she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is likely to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.