The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

It's difficult for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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It needed until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's challenging for their hitters to possess a record if never given the opportunity.

Ultimately, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to create her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

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

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

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

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fail again.

Whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock was preceded by six games 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's been a challenging time because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that the right-hander was on her way.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was removed Australia needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

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

Those words will be the last competing nations at this World Cup want to hear.

In recent days a belief they will triumph from any situation has only strengthened - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she later said she regretted not playing despite the injury.

Yet even as she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as captain.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.