The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and once went over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has won it all.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.
It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the chance.
In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her newest gem.
Then best known as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 attempts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.
If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort is debatable.
Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was considerably tougher to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing completely," commented Healy.
"Yet the moment you take the field, your fighting spirit take over and you completely engage with the competition."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from iconic ex-skipper 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 here that only provided Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there Healy was on her way.
"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, kind of motivated me," said Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed."
These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this championship should hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory following win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals 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 last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
But while she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have delayed consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.