The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's difficult for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.
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That it took until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.
It's difficult for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.
In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to create her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the young family member of renowned former 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 experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.
That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.
At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not come up short.
The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort can be debated.
Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this hundred was much more difficult to see coming.
The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.
"For those following me in training, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing completely," said Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the contest."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently 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 recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.
A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that the right-hander was in motion.
"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.
Once she was removed Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we know we can achieve it."
These statements will be the last rival teams at this tournament should hear.
Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory following win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at an important competition.
So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.
But while she later admitted those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is likely to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.
Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.