Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.
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That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batsmen to hold a record if never given the chance.
Ultimately, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given a chance to produce her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fail again.
Whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit activate and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was in motion.
"An opportunity to go out there and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was dismissed the team required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if necessary, we believe we can do it."
That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.
During that phase they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
So great is her will, she later said she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over 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.