Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.
The top summits have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batters to possess a record if never given the possibility.
Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort can be debated.
Some will argue the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this hundred was considerably tougher to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance 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 training, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like my form was missing completely," commented Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
A single came off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.
"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself that way, sort of got me going," stated Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
When she was out the team required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we are confident we can do it."
That comment will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament need to hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
But while she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.