Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have long been mastered.
This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.
It's challenging for their batters to possess a record if not provided the chance.
Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.
A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.
That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not come up short.
If this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was far harder to anticipate.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock followed six innings 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's been a challenging time because it seemed my form was missing completely," said Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's competitiveness has always been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from there the batsman was in motion.
"The possibility to take the field and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
When she was removed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we believe we can succeed."
That comment will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament need to hear.
During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.
It was at that stage they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing despite the injury.
But while she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed consideration of ending her career, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.
