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

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

The top summits have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the record chasers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.

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It needed up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if not afforded the possibility.

Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a chance to deliver her newest gem.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

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

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not come up short.

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

Certain people claim the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in training, it was a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing completely," commented Healy.

"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from that point Healy was on her way.

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

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

Once she was removed Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm pleased we have the assurance to do that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we believe we can succeed."

These statements will be the last competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.