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

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has achieved everything.

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It needed until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if never given the opportunity.

In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.

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

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 guaranteed her country would not fail again.

If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Some might respond with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.

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

Healy's competitiveness has always been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

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

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

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was dismissed her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

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

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if we do, we know we can do it."

These statements will be the last rival teams at this championship want to hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she afterwards commented she wished she had played despite the injury.

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as captain.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.