The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for Australia to break new ground.
The greatest achievements have already been conquered.
We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the record chasers, are all that remain for a squad 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 achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if never given the chance.
Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a chance to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have followed from 10 attempts across formats.
The gritty keeper 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 reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fail again.
Whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was far harder to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.
"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.
"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the competition."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that the batsman was underway.
"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
By the time she was removed the team required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.
"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we are confident we can succeed."
That comment will be the final thing competing nations at this World Cup want to hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success coming after win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.
It was at that stage they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at an important competition.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated despite the injury.
But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have pushed back plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as skipper.
Victory in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.