Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the record chasers, are what's still available for a side that has won it all.
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That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.
It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.
In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a chance to produce her newest gem.
Then best known as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.
Whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the argument supporting 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's clear is this ton was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock 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 training, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's spark.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was in motion.
"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"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 last rival teams at this championship want to hear.
In recent days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.
It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat 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 a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.
Yet even as she later admitted those fitness problems have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.