Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The top summits have already been conquered.
This is the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required 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, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It's challenging for their batters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.
Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy getting 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 her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was far harder to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," said Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from there the batsman was on her way.
"An opportunity to go out there and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we believe we can succeed."
These statements will be the last rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.
During the last week a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a significant event.
So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.
Yet even as she later admitted those fitness problems have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.