Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for Australia to break new ground.
The top summits have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side that has won it all.
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It needed until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It's difficult for their batters to maintain a record if not provided the chance.
Finally, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to create her newest gem.
Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation 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 came three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.
The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.
That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short.
Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated.
Certain people claim the case for the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was far harder to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.
"However when you take the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.
A single came off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was on her way.
"An opportunity to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, sort of got me going," stated Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
When she was out the team required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can achieve it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament should hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.
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 berth may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.
Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is likely to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.
Success in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.
