Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a side that has achieved everything.
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That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.
Ultimately, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the run of success.
That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fail again.
Whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it seemed I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.
"But once you take the field, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's spark.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there Healy was on her way.
"An opportunity to take the field and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
By the time she was removed the team needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.
"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the belief to achieve that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can succeed."
These statements will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.
During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals 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 an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, 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 anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.