The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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It needed as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if never given the possibility.
Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her newest gem.
Then best known as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
If this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.
Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was far harder to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like my form was missing at all," stated Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from there the batsman was in motion.
"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
When she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the belief to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can succeed."
These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory following win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as leader.
Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.