Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.
The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.
We're talking about the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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That it took until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.
It's challenging for their batters to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.
In the end, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.
Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fall short again.
If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was far harder to predict.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"For those following me in the nets, it was a challenging time because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.
"But once you take the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has always been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was underway.
"A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, sort of got me going," stated 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.
By the time she was removed Australia required another 66 at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the confidence to achieve that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if we do, we are confident we can achieve it."
Those words will be the last competing nations at this tournament want to hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success following success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury.
However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.