The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's difficult for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.
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It needed up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batsmen to possess a record if never given the opportunity.
Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.
Originally famous as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her debut and seven global championships have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
The question of whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was far harder to predict.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it's been a challenging time because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that the batsman was on her way.
"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun that way, sort of got me going," stated Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was removed the team needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can do it."
These statements will be the last competing nations at this World Cup want to hear.
In recent days a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, 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 an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she later said she regretted not playing despite the injury.
But while she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as skipper.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.