The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.
The top summits have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, targeted by the record chasers, are what's still available for a team that has achieved everything.
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That it took until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 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 represented Australia over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.
Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to create her newest gem.
Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
If this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge 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 anticipate.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've observed me in training, it has been a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the match."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the batsman was on her way.
"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can do it."
Those words will be the last rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.
During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory following win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth 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 game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.
So great is her will, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.
Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as skipper.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.