The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

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

The top summits have long been mastered.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are what's still available 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 above 300, taking back their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if not afforded the possibility.

Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her bow and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 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 latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Many contend the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was much more difficult to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from that point Healy was on her way.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

Once she was dismissed the team needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."

That comment will be the last competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.