The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has won it all.
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It needed until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if never given the chance.
Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to deliver her newest gem.
Then best known as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fail again.
If this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Certain people claim the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was much more difficult to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in training, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from there Healy was underway.
"An opportunity to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
When she was out Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the confidence to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."
These statements will be the last competing nations at this World Cup should hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.
It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
However although she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.