Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a squad that has achieved everything.
- Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
- Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers
The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if never given the chance.
In the end, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.
The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the match."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.
"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
Once she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the confidence to achieve that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we believe we can succeed."
Those words will be the final thing rival teams at this championship need to hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.
During that phase they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.
But while she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.
Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.