Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batters to hold a record if never given the opportunity.
In the end, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her newest gem.
Originally famous as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have followed 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 successful run.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.
Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this ton was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," commented Healy.
"But once you take the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the competition."
Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.
One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the batsman was underway.
"An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."
Those words will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has only strengthened - this success coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
During that phase they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wished she had played through the pain.
Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as captain.
Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.