Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the record chasers, are what's still available for a team that has achieved everything.
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The fact it required until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not provided the chance.
Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her newest gem.
Then best known as the teenage relative of famous ex 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 experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
Whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Certain people claim the case for the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
A single came off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was in motion.
"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
When she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm happy we have the belief to do that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can succeed."
These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this championship should hear.
During the last week a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played despite the injury.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.
Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.