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

It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the record chasers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.

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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, reclaiming their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if never given the chance.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

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

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this performance was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in training, it's been a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing whatsoever," commented Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was underway.

"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was out her side required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the belief to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

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

Those words will be the last Australia's opponents at this tournament want to hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this victory following victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.

However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this World Cup is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.

Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.