Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.
This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It's challenging for their batters to hold a record if not afforded the possibility.
In the end, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her most recent brilliance.
Initially recognized as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have come from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.
"But once you take the field, your competitive nature activate and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was underway.
"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.
When she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we believe we can achieve it."
That comment will be the last rival teams at this championship need to hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph coming after success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.
