Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's tough for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.
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It needed up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batsmen to hold a record if not provided the chance.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given a chance to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Then best known as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven international trophies have followed from 10 efforts across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not come up short.
Whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest 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 predict.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in training, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the right-hander was on her way.
"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun that way, sort of got me going," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.
By the time she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to achieve that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we believe we can do it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament want to hear.
In recent days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.
However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.
