Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the record chasers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.
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It needed as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.
Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a chance to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her bow and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
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 come up short.
Whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it has been a challenging time because it appeared my form was missing whatsoever," stated Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit activate and you completely engage with the competition."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's spark.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from that point the right-hander was on her way.
"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
Once she was out Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to do that now," added Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if necessary, we believe we can do it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament want to hear.
In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.
Yet even as she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a global event as leader.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.