Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

It's a challenge for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the successful run.

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort is debatable.

Some will argue the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was underway.

"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the belief to do that now," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we are confident we can do it."

That comment will be the final thing rival teams at this championship should hear.

During the last week a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as leader.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.