The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's difficult for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if never given the chance.
In the end, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven world titles have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the run of success.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Certain people claim the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this hundred was far harder to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it's been a disappointing period because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature take over and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from there the batsman was underway.
"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.
When she was dismissed the team needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the belief to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."
These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.
So great is her will, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated through the pain.
However although she afterwards confessed those injuries have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.
Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.