Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a squad that has won it all.
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The fact it required up to Sunday's success by three wickets 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 represented Australia over five decades.
It is hard for their batsmen to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her newest gem.
Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her bow and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fail again.
The question of whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the reasoning behind final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was far harder to anticipate.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a challenging time because I feel like my form was missing at all," commented Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there the batsman was in motion.
"The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
Once she was out her side needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve 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 ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.
During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
During that phase they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.
But while she later admitted those injuries have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.