The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

It's tough for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

This is the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.

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That it took until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

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

Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

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

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not come up short.

If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort can be debated.

Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it seemed I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

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

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

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

A single came off the opening delivery and after that the right-hander was on her way.

"The possibility to go out there and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to do that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we believe we can succeed."

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

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

During that phase they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed 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.

Yet even as she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.