Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their batters to maintain a record if not provided the possibility.
In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her newest gem.
Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," 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 newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was much more difficult to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in training, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the contest."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.
"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.
Once she was out her side needed 66 more at run per delivery - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed."
Those words will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.
In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.
During that phase they exited last 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 guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.
Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as captain.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.
