The Australian Team 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.
This is the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.
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The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their batsmen to hold a record if not provided the chance.
Finally, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
Whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's definite is this century was considerably tougher to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"For those following me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing whatsoever," stated Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that the batsman was underway.
"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can achieve it."
That comment will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this championship want to hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
Yet even as she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as skipper.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.
