The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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It needed until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.
It's challenging for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the chance.
Finally, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Originally famous as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short.
If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the case for final game tension. Some might respond with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was far harder to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've been watching me in training, it was a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing completely," stated Healy.
"But once you take the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you completely engage with the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in taking over from famous previous leader 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 every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was in motion.
"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.
By the time she was removed the team needed 66 more at run per delivery - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Chasing 330 runs 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 again but, should it happen, we know we can do it."
That comment will be the last rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.
During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success following success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with 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 exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to torn 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 with the discomfort.
But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.
