Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for Australia to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if not afforded the possibility.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to anticipate.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in training, it was a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.
"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
By the time she was removed the team needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we know we can achieve it."
That comment will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.
In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has become more firm - this success succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.
It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a significant event.
So great is her will, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.