Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.
The top summits have long been mastered.
We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, those for the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.
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The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.
It's difficult for their batters to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.
Finally, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven world titles 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 "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
If this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.
Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What is certain is this century was much more difficult to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.
"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it's been a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.
"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has always been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.
One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the batsman was in motion.
"A chance to go out there and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
Once she was dismissed Australia needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if we do, we believe we can do it."
These statements will be the last competing nations at this tournament should hear.
Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.
It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wished she had played through the pain.
But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.
Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.