Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.
It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The top summits have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a team that has achieved everything.
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That it took until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their batsmen to hold a record if never given the chance.
Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her most recent brilliance.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.
That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.
If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable.
Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this knock followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it has been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," stated Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.
A single came off Gaud's first delivery and after that Healy was on her way.
"An opportunity to play and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
Once she was removed the team needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can do it."
Those words will be the last Australia's opponents at this tournament want to hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.
During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a significant event.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.
But while she later admitted those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper.
Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.