The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.
It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if not afforded the opportunity.
Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.
Then best known as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come 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 successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it seemed my form was missing whatsoever," said Healy.
"However when you take the field, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the batsman was underway.
"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
Once she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters 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, should it happen, we are confident we can achieve it."
Those words will be the final thing rival teams at this tournament need to hear.
During the last week a sense they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this victory following win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.
Yet even as she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as captain.
Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.