Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.
This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.
- Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
- Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers
That it took 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 women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's difficult for their batters to hold a record if not provided the possibility.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short.
The question of whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable.
Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because I feel like my form was missing completely," commented Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was underway.
"The possibility to take the field and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
By the time she was removed her side required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we know we can do it."
These statements will be the last competing nations at this tournament need to hear.
In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
It was at that stage they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she later said she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
Yet even as she afterwards confessed those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.