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

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.

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The fact it required until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

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

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted 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 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

Whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Many contend the reasoning behind final game tension. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was far harder to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.

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

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

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

A single came off the opening delivery and from that point Healy was underway.

"An opportunity to go out there and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was removed her side required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," added Healy.

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

These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament want to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.

Yet even as she later admitted those physical issues have delayed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.