The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
This is the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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It needed as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if never given the opportunity.
Finally, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her most recent brilliance.
Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her bow and seven global championships have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was considerably tougher to anticipate.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing at all," commented Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.
"The possibility to take the field and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, sort of got me going," stated Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the belief to accomplish that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can achieve it."
These statements will be the final thing competing nations at this World Cup should hear.
In recent days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.
Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.