Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The top summits have already been conquered.
This is the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has achieved everything.
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It needed up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.
It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.
Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a chance to create her newest gem.
Then best known as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.
A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.
That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short.
The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.
Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.
What's clear is this century was considerably tougher to see coming.
The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this performance followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've been watching me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.
"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the contest."
Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's spark.
One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from there the batsman was in motion.
"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.
She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.
By the time she was removed her side required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.
"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.
"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this World Cup should hear.
During the last week a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.
It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.
But while she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper 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.