Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

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

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has won it all.

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The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their batsmen to possess a record if never given the chance.

In the end, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the case for the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.

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

"For those following me in the nets, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and after that Healy was on her way.

"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

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

By the time she was removed her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the confidence to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we believe we can succeed."

That comment will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this championship should hear.

In recent days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success succeeding win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as skipper.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.