The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the record chasers, are what's still available for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.
Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to produce her newest gem.
Initially recognized 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 conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her bow and seven world titles have come from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not come up short.
Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was much more difficult to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"For those following me in the nets, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.
"However when you take the field, your competitive nature 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 tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that Healy was underway.
"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we are confident we can do it."
These statements will be the final thing competing nations at this tournament should hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.
It was at that stage they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she later said she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.