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 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 once went over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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That it took until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their batsmen to possess a record if not afforded the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 attempts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort can be debated.

Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to predict.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this knock followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in training, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.

"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

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

By the time she was dismissed the team required another 66 at run per delivery - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.

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

These statements will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this tournament should hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

But while she later admitted those injuries have postponed consideration of ending her career, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as skipper.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.