The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a squad that has achieved everything.
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That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.
It's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if never given the opportunity.
In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to create her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have come from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Many contend the reasoning behind final game tension. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this ton was considerably tougher to anticipate.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this knock 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 practice sessions, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.
"However when you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's competitiveness has always been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that the batsman was on her way.
"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.
When she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm happy we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed."
These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup need to hear.
During the last week a belief they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this success following win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the previous 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 an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
But while she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is likely to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as skipper.
Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.