The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.
The top summits have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has won it all.
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The fact it required up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.
It's challenging for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the chance.
In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her most recent brilliance.
Initially recognized as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Certain people claim the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock 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 training, it has been a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing at all," said Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.
A single came off the opening delivery and from that point Healy was underway.
"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
When she was out Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."
These statements will be the last rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as captain.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.