The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's difficult for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the opportunity.
Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to produce her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative 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 experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her debut and seven global championships have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.
Whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in the nets, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature kick in and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there Healy was on her way.
"The possibility to take the field and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, sort of got me going," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was removed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the confidence to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can achieve it."
These statements will be the last Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.
In recent days a belief they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory 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 well be secure.
It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as skipper.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.