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

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.

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It needed until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.

In the end, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to create her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the teenage relative of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her debut and seven global championships have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.

Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

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

What's clear is this hundred was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this knock followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive nature kick in and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from that point Healy was in motion.

"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was out her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, should it happen, we believe we can do it."

These statements will be the last rival teams at this tournament should hear.

In recent days a sense they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this victory following win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she later said she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

Yet even as she later admitted those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as skipper.

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