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 break new ground.
The top summits have already been conquered.
We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.
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It needed until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if never given the chance.
In the end, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy getting a platform to create her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of renowned former 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 seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have followed from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well 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 stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the reasoning behind final game tension. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.
One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was underway.
"The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
When she was out the team needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can succeed."
These statements will be the last competing nations at this World Cup want to hear.
During the last week a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.
But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this championship is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over 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.