The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has won it all.

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It is hard for their batters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.

Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper 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 following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable.

Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance 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 training, it's been a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive nature activate and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has always been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and after that the right-hander was underway.

"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

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

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we are confident we can do it."

Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this championship want to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory following win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

However although she afterwards confessed those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.