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

It's tough for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

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

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their hitters to hold a record if never given the chance.

Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fail again.

If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this knock was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," said Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there the right-hander was on her way.

"A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

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

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if we do, we are confident we can achieve it."

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

Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back plans to retire, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.

Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.