Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

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

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

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

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if never given the opportunity.

Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

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

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not come up short.

If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort is debatable.

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

What's clear is this hundred was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this knock followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because I feel like my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive nature activate and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the right-hander was underway.

"A chance to go out there and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the confidence to achieve that now," added Healy.

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

These statements will be the last rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.

In recent days a belief they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this triumph following win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.

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