Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a team that has achieved everything.
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It needed as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the possibility.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a chance to create her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her debut and seven global championships have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.
The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.
Many contend the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was considerably tougher to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"For those following me in the nets, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing whatsoever," commented Healy.
"However when you take the field, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's competitive nature has always been her key asset - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from there Healy was underway.
"The possibility to go out there and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
By the time she was dismissed her side required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm pleased we have the assurance to do that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we are confident we can achieve it."
These statements will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this triumph following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played despite the injury.
But while she later admitted those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.