The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have long been mastered.

This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their batsmen to hold a record if not afforded the opportunity.

Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

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

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

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort can be debated.

Some will argue the argument supporting final game tension. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this hundred was far harder to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in training, it has been a challenging time because it appeared my form was missing at all," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from that point Healy was in motion.

"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was out her side needed 66 more at a run-a-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," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we know we can do it."

That comment will be the last competing nations at this championship need to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this success succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

But while she later admitted those injuries have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a global event as leader.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.