The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more 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 squad that has achieved everything.
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That it took until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's challenging for their batters to maintain a record if not provided the possibility.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her most recent brilliance.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of renowned former 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 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
Whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Some will argue the case for final game tension. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this century was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings came after six matches 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 was a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the contest."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and after that Healy was on her way.
"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the World Cup - 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 her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the belief to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."
These statements will be the final thing competing nations at this World Cup should hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
It was at that stage they were eliminated from 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 initial instance at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played despite the injury.
However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.