Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
This is the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has won it all.
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The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the possibility.
In the end, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a chance to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior 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 global championships have resulted from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this performance 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 training, it has been a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the contest."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from that point the batsman was underway.
"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if we do, we are confident we can achieve it."
That comment will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament want to hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.
So great is her will, she subsequently stated she wished she had played with the discomfort.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as captain.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.