Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a side that has won it all.
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The fact it required until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's challenging for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.
Finally, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her newest gem.
Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior 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 resulted from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.
If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the reasoning behind final game tension. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this innings came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in training, it's been a disappointing period because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was in motion.
"The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
Once she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the belief to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if we do, we know we can succeed."
Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this World Cup need to hear.
In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.
During that phase they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.
But while she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.
Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.