Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's a challenge for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
We're talking about the squad 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, the ones sought by the record chasers, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.
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That it took up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It's challenging for their batters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.
In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven international trophies have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.
That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display is debatable.
Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to predict.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've observed me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing whatsoever," commented Healy.
"Yet the moment you take the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the match."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from that point 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, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was out her side required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can succeed."
That comment will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this World Cup need to hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wished she had played despite the injury.
However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.