The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has accomplished all there is.
- Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Record Chase
- Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
- Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers
That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's challenging for their batsmen to hold a record if never given the chance.
Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.
The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
If this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Many contend the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was considerably tougher to predict.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it seemed I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.
"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
A single came off Gaud's first delivery and after that Healy was in motion.
"An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
When she was removed the team needed 66 additional runs 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 confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."
That comment will be the final thing rival teams at this tournament should hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success following win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
So great is her will, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.
But while she later admitted those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.