The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

This is the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's difficult for their hitters to maintain a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture 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 international trophies have come from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

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 guaranteed her country would not come up short.

If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was considerably tougher to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed I lacked timing completely," said Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

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

"The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

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

When she was out the team needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we believe we can achieve it."

That comment will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

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

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.

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

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.