The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and once went over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if not afforded the opportunity.
In the end, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a chance to create her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her debut and seven global championships have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"For those following me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was underway.
"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.
When she was dismissed her side needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we are confident we can achieve it."
That comment will be the last competing nations at this World Cup need to hear.
In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a major tournament.
So great is her will, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader.
Success in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.