Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything.

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It needed up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their batsmen to possess a record if not provided the possibility.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her debut and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

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 fail again.

If this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Many contend the case for final game tension. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was much more difficult to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like my form was missing at all," stated Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the batsman was on her way.

"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

Once she was out the team required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

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

Those words will be the last competing nations at this championship should hear.

During the last week a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as captain.

Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.