The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.
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That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.
It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.
Finally, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her newest gem.
Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous 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 experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.
That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
The question of whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated.
Certain people claim the argument supporting final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was considerably tougher to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock came after six matches 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 challenging time because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," stated Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's spark.
A single came off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was in motion.
"An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the belief to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."
That comment will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this championship want to hear.
In recent days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wished she had played through the pain.
But while she later admitted those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as captain.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.