Australia Breaks New Ground as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

It's tough for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and once went over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a team that has accomplished all there is.

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That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.

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

In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

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

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

Whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was far harder to anticipate.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when 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 been watching me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I lacked timing completely," commented Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single came off the opening delivery and from there the right-hander was underway.

"A chance to take the field and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

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

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

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

During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

During that phase they left the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she later admitted those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader.

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