The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the chance.
Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her newest gem.
Then best known as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.
That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fail again.
If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was much more difficult to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this knock was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing completely," stated Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you just lock into the match."
Healy's competitiveness has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.
A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was on her way.
"An opportunity to go out there and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
When she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to do that now," added Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if we do, we are confident we can achieve it."
These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup need to hear.
During the last week a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this success succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.
It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wished she had played through the pain.
However although she later admitted those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.