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

It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, 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 victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss "motivated 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 final and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the case for the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the competition."

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

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by 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 there Healy was underway.

"An opportunity to play and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

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

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the belief to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we know we can do it."

Those words will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament should hear.

During the last week a feeling they will win from any position has only strengthened - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

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

However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her final tournament as skipper 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 ultimate challenge.