The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.
- Healy's Century Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Fixtures, Results & Scorecards
- Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers
That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.
It's challenging for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the chance.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
If this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was far harder to predict.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this knock was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing whatsoever," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the match."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and after that Healy was on her way.
"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
By the time she was removed the team required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can do it."
Those words will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has become more firm - this triumph coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
During that phase they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing despite the injury.
However although she afterwards confessed those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.