The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, 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 up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.
Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her most recent brilliance.
Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 efforts across formats.
The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Certain people claim the case for the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this performance was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in practice sessions, it's been a disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
A single came off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.
"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
By the time she was out her side required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."
That comment will be the last rival teams at this World Cup want to hear.
In recent days a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played through the pain.
But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is likely to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.