The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's tough for Australia to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has achieved everything.

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That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

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

Finally, the result of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her debut and seven global championships have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated.

Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was considerably tougher to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it has been a challenging time because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your fighting spirit activate and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and after that the batsman was underway.

"An opportunity to take the field and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

Once she was removed Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.

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

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

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

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they exited 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 led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated through the pain.

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as skipper.

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