Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have already been conquered.
This is the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if never given the opportunity.
Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy getting a chance to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven world titles have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.
The question of whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this century was far harder to see coming.
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 been unable to reach 30.
"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a challenging time because it seemed my form was missing whatsoever," commented Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your competitive nature activate and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
A single came off the opening delivery and from there Healy was in motion.
"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
Once she was out her side required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."
Those words will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.
In recent days a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.
But while she later admitted those physical issues have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her concluding event as leader 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 last major obstacle.