Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The top summits have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win 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, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

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

Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance to create her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former 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 experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to predict.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm completely," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the match."

Healy's competitiveness has always been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

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

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from there Healy was in motion.

"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was dismissed the team required another 66 at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

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

These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament should hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.

However although she later admitted those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is expected to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as captain.

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