The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.
Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her newest gem.
Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her bow and seven international trophies have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fail again.
If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this century was far harder to anticipate.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature take over and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was in motion.
"A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.
Once she was out Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if necessary, we believe we can achieve it."
That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this triumph following success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, 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 couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.
Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.