The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.
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The fact it required until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It is hard for their batters to hold a record if never given the opportunity.
Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a chance to create her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort is debatable.
Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Others can counter with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches 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 challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
A single came off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was on her way.
"An opportunity to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.
By the time she was dismissed her side required another 66 at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."
These statements will be the last competing nations at this tournament need to hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has become more firm - this triumph following victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they left last 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 captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
So great is her will, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.
Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.