The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It's challenging for their batsmen to possess a record if never given the chance.
Finally, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have followed from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the run of success.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
If this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.
Certain people claim the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this hundred was far harder to predict.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this knock followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing whatsoever," commented Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.
A single came off Gaud's first delivery and after that the right-hander was in motion.
"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was out her side needed 66 more at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if we do, we know we can do it."
That comment will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.
In recent days a sense they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this success coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
During that phase they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.
But while she later admitted those injuries have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.