The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has achieved everything.

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That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batsmen to hold a record if not afforded the chance.

In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her newest gem.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

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

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

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort can be debated.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive nature kick in and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

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

A single was taken off the opening delivery and from that point the right-hander was on her way.

"The possibility to play and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

Once she was removed Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

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

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

During the last week a belief they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this victory following win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.

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