Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have long been mastered.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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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, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if never given the possibility.
Finally, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her most recent brilliance.
Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have come from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the run of success.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
Whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.
Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this century was much more difficult to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in training, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing completely," commented Healy.
"However when you take the field, your competitive nature kick in and you simply focus on the match."
Healy's competitive nature has always been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there Healy was underway.
"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
Once she was out the team required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."
That comment will be the last competing nations at this tournament need to hear.
In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph succeeding success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a significant event.
So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.
Yet even as she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as skipper.
Success in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.