Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.
The top summits have already been conquered.
We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.
- Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
- Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers
That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batters to possess a record if not provided the chance.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her most recent brilliance.
Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven global championships have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not come up short.
Whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this hundred was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance was preceded by six games 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 frustrating experience because it appeared I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.
"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point the batsman was on her way.
"The possibility to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, sort of got me going," stated Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if necessary, we are confident we can achieve it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.
During the last week a sense they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
So great is her will, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper.
Success in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.