Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.
- Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
- Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
- Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers
The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batsmen to hold a record if not provided the chance.
Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fail again.
If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort can be debated.
Some will argue the argument supporting final game tension. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and after that the batsman was in motion.
"A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
When she was out the team required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, should it happen, we know we can succeed."
That comment will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this tournament want to hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.
It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.
So great is her will, she later said she regretted not playing despite the injury.
But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, 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.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.