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

It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.

The top summits have long been mastered.

We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the record chasers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.

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The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

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

Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.

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

Many contend the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

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

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there Healy was on her way.

"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

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

When she was removed her side needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to achieve that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, should it happen, we believe we can do it."

That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing despite the injury.

But while she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have delayed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as captain.

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