Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have long been mastered.
This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has won it all.
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That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It's challenging for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the opportunity.
Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Certain people claim the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was much more difficult to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because it seemed my form was missing whatsoever," stated Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the right-hander was on her way.
"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
When she was out Australia required another 66 at run per delivery - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the confidence to do that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed."
These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear.
In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
During that phase they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.
Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.
