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

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a squad that has won it all.

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That it took as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if never given the opportunity.

Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to create her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her bow and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

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

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

If this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Many contend the case for final game tension. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this knock was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in training, it was a challenging time because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the match."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the batsman was in motion.

"An opportunity to play and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

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

When she was dismissed her side needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to do that now," added Healy.

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

Those words will be the last Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will win from any position has become more firm - this victory succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game 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 afterwards commented she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.