The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.

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The fact it required until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their batters to maintain a record if not provided the chance.

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a platform to create her newest gem.

Then best known as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

Whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Many contend the reasoning behind final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was far harder to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in training, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was in motion.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we believe we can achieve it."

These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this World Cup should hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this victory succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wished she had played despite the injury.

Yet even as she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is likely to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as skipper.

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