The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has achieved everything.
- Healy's Ton Aids Australia to Historic Pursuit
- Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
- Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers
That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.
In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She ensured 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 championship match pressure. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was much more difficult to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.
"However when you take the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the match."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her great strength - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from that point the right-hander was on her way.
"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
By the time she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can do it."
That comment will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.
During the last week a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph following victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to ruptured 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 regretted not playing through the pain.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as skipper.
Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.