The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

It's a challenge for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.

The highest peaks 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 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a team that has achieved everything.

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That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if not provided the possibility.

Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance to deliver her newest gem.

Then best known as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Certain people claim the argument supporting final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because it seemed my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts activate and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from there Healy was in motion.

"An opportunity to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

By the time she was dismissed her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, should it happen, we believe we can do it."

These statements will be the final thing competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from the prior 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 guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.

So great is her will, she later said she wished she had played through the pain.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as skipper.

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