Australia 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 team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.
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That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if not provided the chance.
In the end, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Some will argue the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's definite is this century was far harder to predict.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this knock was preceded by six games 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's been a challenging time because it appeared I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the match."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and after that Healy was on her way.
"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself that way, kind of motivated me," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
Once she was out her side required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the belief to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we are confident we can do it."
These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this championship want to hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this success coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.
Yet even as she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.
Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.