Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has won it all.
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The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.
In the end, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not come up short.
If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.
Some will argue the case for final game tension. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this knock was preceded by six games 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 has been a challenging time because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature kick in and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
A single came off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was in motion.
"The possibility to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.
By the time she was dismissed the team needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we are confident we can do it."
These statements will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this tournament need to hear.
In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged 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 through the pain.
But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have postponed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.
Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.
