The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.
This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a squad that has won it all.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets 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, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.
It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.
In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the successful run.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fail again.
If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.
Certain people claim the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was underway.
"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
Once she was dismissed her side needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," added Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can achieve it."
These statements will be the last competing nations at this World Cup should hear.
In recent days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph coming after success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals 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 left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.
But while she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.