Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

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

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has won it all.

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That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the chance.

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

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

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

Whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the argument supporting 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 ton was considerably tougher to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive nature activate and you just lock into the match."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

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

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was underway.

"The possibility to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself that way, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

By the time she was dismissed the team needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the belief to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."

Those words will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup need to hear.

During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.

But while she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.