Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, targeted by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything.
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The fact it required up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.
Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.
A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
Whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this hundred was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've observed me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.
"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the batsman was on her way.
"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun that way, sort of got me going," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.
When she was removed her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."
These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they left the prior 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 captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.
So great is her will, she later said she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.