Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.

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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 exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batsmen to hold a record if never given the opportunity.

Finally, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the successful run.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this performance came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.

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

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there the batsman was in motion.

"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself that way, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

By the time she was out Australia needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if necessary, we know we can achieve it."

That comment will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this World Cup need to hear.

In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat 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 subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as skipper.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.