Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for Australia to break new ground.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.
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That it took up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.
It's challenging for their batters to maintain a record if never given the possibility.
In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her newest gem.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the run of success.
That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.
Some will argue the reasoning behind final game tension. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What is certain is this hundred was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings came after six matches 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's been a disappointing period because I feel like my form was missing whatsoever," stated Healy.
"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has always been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.
A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.
"An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
Once she was dismissed the team required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed."
These statements will be the last competing nations at this championship need to hear.
Over the past five days a belief they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.
During that phase they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a significant event.
Such is her determination, she later said she regretted not playing with the discomfort.
However although she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as leader.
Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.