Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.
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It needed up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.
It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the chance.
Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted 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 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven world titles have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not come up short.
If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort can be debated.
Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total 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 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've observed me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.
One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was underway.
"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, sort of got me going," commented Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.
By the time she was out her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."
These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.
In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory following win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.
Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.