The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's tough for Australia to break new ground.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a team that has achieved everything.
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That it took until Sunday's success by three wickets 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, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batsmen to hold a record if never given the possibility.
Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.
Some will argue the case for final game tension. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was far harder to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the batsman was on her way.
"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.
When she was out Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can do it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament want to hear.
In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success coming after win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as captain.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.