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

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The top summits have long been mastered.

This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has won it all.

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That it took up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if never given the possibility.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

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

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.

If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was much more difficult to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing at all," stated Healy.

"But once you take the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there the batsman was in motion.

"The possibility to take the field and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

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

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."

These statements will be the final thing competing nations at this World Cup want to hear.

During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success following win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors 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 a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played with the discomfort.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as captain.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.