The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the chance.
Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her newest gem.
Initially recognized 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 T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have come from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the following one-day championship 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 fail again.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Some will argue the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing at all," stated Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there Healy was in motion.
"A chance to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was dismissed her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to do that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."
Those words will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this World Cup should hear.
In recent days a sense they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a significant event.
So great is her will, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.
