The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has achieved everything.
- Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Record Chase
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
- Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers
It needed as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.
In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
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 final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
Whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a challenging time because it seemed my form was missing at all," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and after that the right-hander was underway.
"The possibility to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, kind of motivated me," said Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was removed the team required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, should it happen, we believe we can do it."
That comment will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this tournament want to hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has become more firm - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a significant event.
So great is her will, she later said she wanted to have participated through the pain.
However although she later admitted those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.