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

It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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It needed as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.

Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to create her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

If this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Many contend the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like my form was missing at all," commented Healy.

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

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and after that Healy was in motion.

"A chance to take the field and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was out her side required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," continued Healy.

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

That comment will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament should hear.

During the last week a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

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

It was at that stage they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury.

But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.

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