Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything.

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That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their hitters to maintain a record if never given the possibility.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a chance to create her newest gem.

Then best known as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

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

If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was far harder to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this knock 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 training, it has been a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing completely," said Healy.

"However when you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

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

"A chance to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

By the time she was out Australia required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we believe we can do it."

These statements will be the last competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will triumph from any situation has grown stronger - this success coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

During that phase they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.

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