The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the record chasers, are what's still available for a team that has achieved everything.
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It needed as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.
Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her newest gem.
Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Certain people claim the argument supporting final game tension. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's definite is this century was considerably tougher to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in training, it has been a frustrating experience because it appeared I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was underway.
"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.
By the time she was removed the team required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," added Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."
Those words will be the final thing rival teams at this tournament need to hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this success coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
But while she later admitted those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.